Trabzonspor close to signing veteran ex-Chelsea left-winger Malouda

TRABZON - Doğan News Agency

Malouda was greeted by the typical mass welcome by Turkish supporters upon his arrival at Trabzon airport. DHA photo

Former Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda may follow his former teammate and best buddy Didier Drogba to Turkey next season. However, the French star won't join Drogba at star-studded Galatasaray, a.k.a. "Galatacticos," but rather make the move to the proud and passionate Turkish Super League side Trabzonspor.

The Black Sea club, usually timid in foreign player transfers as their means struggle to compete with Istanbul's "big three," brought the left-winger Malouda to Turkey for talks late on July 16. 

Malouda and Trabzonspor's executives have agreed on all terms and are close to inking a deal, Doğan News agency reported. Malouda was greeted by the typical mass welcome by Turkish supporters upon his arrival at Trabzon airport.

The 33-year-old veteran had requested his exit from the London club after a season of ups-and-down, and was officially released at the end of June. He is shortly set to arrive to Trabzon in a private flight, according to reports.

Trabzonspor recently kicked off a rejuvenation project by appointing Mustafa Reşit Akçay, the previous coach of its "B" team, 1461 Trabzon, as its new head coach. Anxious to build a squad that will fight for the title, the club is now hoping to add experience and caliber with the French international.

Trabzonspor finished last season ninth, a long way off the coveted European spots.