Anelka in talks to leave Shanghai Shenhua: Club

SHANGHAI - Agence France-Presse

Controversial player Nicolas Anelka is set to leave China to put an end to what is believed to be one of the most lucrative deals in world football. AFP Photo

Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is in talks to terminate his contract with his current Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, the club said yesterday, amid reports he may sign for Queens Park Rangers.

“The discussion is between the club and himself, I don’t know about the specific details,” Shanghai Shenhua spokesman Ma Yue said. “But so far we haven’t got the final result.”

According to the sports website of leading Internet portal Sina.com, Anelka has agreed to forgo the final year of his contract, worth $7 million, as long as Shanghai allow him to leave on a free transfer.

The report said the former Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bolton and Chelsea player wants to return to the Premiership by signing with QPR.

Anelka, who has 69 caps for France, made headlines when he signed with Shanghai at the beginning of last season, becoming China’s first direct import from the English Premier League.

But his presence failed to inspire the team and he scored only three goals during the season, with Shanghai finishing ninth in the 16-team league.

Anelka’s Shenhua and former Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba, who is on a two-and-a-half year deal, has also been reported to be reconsidering his options after the disappointing season.