Nicolas Anelka has reportedly agreed to move to Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, and will pen a two-year deal come January.
Sky Sports are indicating that the veteran French attacker will move to Asia come the new year, with a bumper pay packet expected to have been involved in attracting the ex-Real Madrid man to the emerging footballing nation.
Anelka handed in an official transfer request after the London outfit’s 3-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend, and along with wantaway defender Alex, has been made to train with the reserves since.
The sprightly forward has no shortage of suitors, but Sky Sports believe that the Chinese club wanted to sign Anelka on a three-year deal, but after negotiations this was reduced by 12 months.
The Chinese Super League club’s chairman Zhu Jun also confirmed that negotiations were under way.
“We have started to talk about every detail from the first minute of the negotiations. The whole contract is made up of details. It’s comprehensive and complicated, involving the player’s image and the commercial co-operation,” he told Shanghai Daily.
The Blues are ready to let Anelka leave Stamford Bridge when the transfer window re-opens for little or no money, and if he does move to the Asian club it will be a major coup for a nation not renowned for its presence in the sport.
AC Milan and Tottenham were both being linked with a move for the goalscorer, but as yet neither are believed to have made an official bid.
By Gareth McKnight
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