Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua has agreed terms with Chelsea's French striker Nicolas Anelka, the club said yesterday.
"We have agreed on all the contract details and we are only waiting for him to sign it," club official Ma Yue said by telephone, adding that there was only one loose end that both sides were "working vigorously" to tie up.
Ma would not reveal details of the contract for the 32-year-old but said Shanghai would issue a statement today.
Local media have reported that Anelka's lucrative contract would be for three years and would involve both soccer and commercial cooperation.
English Premier League side Chelsea has already said it has accepted transfer requests from Anelka and Brazilian defender Alex.
Media reports have said second-tier English team West Ham United is also interested in Anelka with manager Sam Allardyce keen to link up again with the player he worked with while in charge of Bolton Wanderers.
Shanghai assistant spokesman Ma also said several Chinese teams were interested in signing Anelka's teammate Didier Drogba and had been in contact with the Ivory Coast forward.
Last month Drogba refused a one-year extension to his contract at Chelsea and the 33-year-old's deal at the London club expires next year.
"So far, on Drogba to move to Shenhua, our club has no clear confirmation," added Ma.
Shanghai, which finished 11th in the league last season, is also looking to bring in former Fulham boss Jean Tigana as coach next term. Tigana stepped down as manager of Ligue 1 side Bordeaux earlier this year.
