Monday, 21st November, 2011


Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is being targeted by Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.

The Frenchman sees his contract with the Blues expire at the end of the season and an extended stay at Stamford Bridge appears unlikely, despite Andre Villas-Boas indicating the 32-year-old will be offered a new deal.

Anelka wants one final challenge before hanging up his boots and regular first team football is at the forefront of his thoughts.

There has been interest from a number of clubs, with a stint in the MLS a distinct possibility.

But now the former Arsenal hitman will be offered a lucrative package to head east and ply his trade in China’s fast improving Super League.

Money is swishing through the Chinese game at present, with fellow Super League outfit Guangzhou Evergrande snapping up Argentine midfielder Dario Conca earlier this year, signing the 28-year-old to a deal worth $10.5M per year – making Conca one of the highest paid players in world football in the process.

Anelka will be offered a similarly high amount to join China’s revolution.

And Shanghai may not even wait until next summer to move for the Frenchman, with a bid in the forthcoming January transfer window on the agenda.

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