Drogba: Sign Vieira

The English Premiership leaders are appealing against the embargo on signing new players.

Drogba says veteran midfield hardman Vieira should be the first name on Ancelotti's wish-list for the January transfer window.

"It would be a good move for Chelsea to bring Patrick in," the Ivory Coast centre forward told The Sun.

"Don't forget we are going to miss several players in January, particularly in midfield, because of the African Nations Cup.

"We played against Vieira last summer and he was very strong." The Frenchman, currently out of favour at Inter Milan, would offer Ancelotti cover for Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel, who will both be on African Nations Cup duty.

The 33-year-old Vieira was spotted at Stamford Bridge on Sunday when Chelsea returned to the top of the league by beating Liverpool.