Transfer Rumours: Didier Drogba, 10 Veterans Poised for a Shocking Summer Move

World football players don't often transfer to new teams late in their career, but the players on this list may end up doing just that.

A lot of times when veterans switch clubs, they play for lower-league teams, but some of these players have been linked to other big clubs across Europe.

Having an experienced player who still has a good amount of quality can be a very positive move for teams at times, so it's no wonder that these players have suitors.

Here are 10 veterans who could be on the move this summer.

Raul

Raul has been linked to a move to Qatar, but two English clubs, Fulham and Newcastle, are seemingly interested in signing the Spanish veteran to their clubs.

Either destination would be strange for Raul, but nothing can top the fact that he ended up leaving Real Madrid and will not retire in Madrid.

Seydou Keita

According to Talksport.com, Seydou Keita has attracted the interest of both AC Milan and Liverpool. These are two interesting options for the Barcelona midfielder who certainly has a lot of experience under his belt.

It's hard to see Keita playing for one of these teams considering his history with La Liga but both clubs apparently value what the player can bring to the table.

Branislav Ivanovic

Branislav Ivanovic has been linked to a surprising move to Real Madrid. It seems that Jose Mourinho is ready to raid his old team again with Ricardo Carvalho on his last legs.

Chelsea would not let the player go easily considering his importance to the side. This will be an interesting story to follow as the summer goes on.

Didier Drogba

Earlier in April, the Daily Mail reported that Didier Drogba was close to following former teammate Nicolas Anelka to China.

There haven't been many rumours since, and Drogba's form over the last couple games has played a part in that. Still, he has yet to sign a new contract, so he may just end up moving to China in the end.

Talksport.com has reported that Schalke may see the player as a replacement for Raul, but Germany does not seem like a very likely destination for the Ivorian.

With all these rumours, he certainly has his options.

Alessandro Del Piero

Alessandro Del Piero is set to leave Juventus this summer. That in itself is shocking.

What's even more interesting is the fact that both Arsenal and QPR are reportedly interested in signing the Italian veteran.

A move the MLS is also a possibility and wouldn't be as strange as seeing Del Piero in England. It is still strange that another legend of the game does not get the chance to retire at his beloved club.

Robin Van Persie

Robin van Persie has been linked with what would be a sensational move to Manchester United. Talksport.com reports that Sir Alex Ferguson is interested in the Dutch forward.

Van Persie has been linked with a lot of top clubs across Europe and his future will be one of the most-watched storylines this summer.

There will cause an uproar among Arsenal fans if Van Persie does join a team like Manchester City, Barcelona or Juventus, but there is no telling how angry fans would be if a move to Manchester United happens.

Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand could end up finishing is playing career in China. The Daily Mail reports that both he and Frank Lampard have attracted the interest of Chinese side Guizhou Renhe.

Sir Alex Ferguson isn't shy of keeping his veterans around, so it may just be that Ferdinand stays to provide some help to the team's younger players, even if it may mean less time on the pitch.

Ferdinand has seen more and more time on the treatment table of late and with players like Phil Jones and Chris Smalling competing for central defensive positions as well, Ferdinand could see a move to China as a better chance for playing time.

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard leaving Chelsea is akin to Alessandro Del Piero leaving Juventus such is his importance to the club.

According to The People, he could become a player under Diego Maradona's management in Qatar. The article also claims interest for PSG and Inter, but neither seems like a Frank Lampard destination.

He is also reportedly wanted by Chinese club Guizhou Renhe.

Dimitar Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov may finally get his move away from Manchester United, but the currently rumoured final destination is interesting.

Caughtoffisde.com has linked Dimitar Berbatov to Turkish club Galatasaray. He reportedly attracted the interest of Anzhi Makhachkala in the past and been offered to PSG as well.

Michael Owen

It seems that a lot of Chinese clubs are looking to make major moves this summer. The Sun reports that Shanghai Shenhua, the current club of Nicolas Anelka, is looking to bring in veteran English striker Michael Owen.

He was also linked with a move to Reading FC earlier in the year and with their recent promotion to the Premier League that move may not be so unlikely after all.