Chelsea have made a bid to sign France striker Nicolas Anelka from Bolton Wanderers as they are keen to find a replacement for Didier Drogba while the striker is on duty for Cote d'Ivoire at the African Nations Cup.

Chelsea's offer was not disclosed but according to sources close to Bolton the club have fixed a price tag on the Frenchman at 17 million euros (US$25 million).

Anelka joined Bolton in 2006 but despite signing a new contract this season the forward has made his interest in joining a bigger club known.

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2008)