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Tuesday Kickoff: Drogba turns down deal, Zambrano to coach in Colombia & more

Drogba (Getty Images)

Let the Didier Drobga sweepstakes begin.

Drogba's agent said that the player has rejected a one-year contract extension from Chelsea and is prepared to go wherever he is offered the most money. Drogba's contract with Chelsea expires this summer, when he would be able to leave on a free transfer.

Drogba's name has been floated around in MLS circles for the last year as a potential Designated Player signing, and his agent, Thierno Seydi, singled out the Los Angeles Galaxy as a potential destination (which would be possible if David Beckham does not return) while also adding that clubs in Russia and Qatar are possibilities as well.

Here are a few more stories to get your Tuesday going:

ZAMBRANO TO COACH IN COLOMBIA

Octavio Zambrano appears to be returning to the sidelines as a head coach.

Zambrano, the former Los Angeles Galaxy and New York/New Jersey MetroStars head coach, will be the new head coach at Deportivo Pereira in Colombia, according to multiple reports.

The 53-year-old Zambrano was most recently an assistant to Peter Vermes at Sporting Kansas City.

SPORTING KC RE-SIGNS NIELSEN

Sporting Kansas City made headlines Monday for dealing Davy Arnaud to Montreal to bring back defender Seth Sinovic, but the club made another move to reinforce its defense by locking up goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen for the long haul.

Nielsen signed an extension with SKC that will keep him between the posts at Livestrong Sporting Park through 2013. The deal also has an option for 2014.

Nielsen has proven to be one of the better shot-stoppers in MLS since coming to the league in 2010 after leaving Vejle BK in his native Denmark.

GOLDTHWAITE RETIRES

Veteran MLS defender Kevin Goldthwaite retired on Monday, calling it quits on a seven-year career.

The 28-year-old Goldthwaite endured a number of injuries over the last few years, including a season-ending knee injury this past July. The centerback spent time with the San Jose Earthquakes/Houston Dynamo franchise, Toronto FC, New York and Portland in his MLS career.

Goldthwaite was one of seven players to have contract options declined by the Timbers, joining Adin Brown, Brian Umony, Spencer Thompson, Peter Lowry, Ryan Pore and Rodrigo Lopez.

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Where do you see Drobga ending up? Think his agent is just trying to manufacture a big payday? What do you make of Zambrano leaving SKC? Like that Nielsen is staying put? What do you make of the Timbers' moves?

Share your thoughts below.

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