Soccer:Shanghai Shenhua are confident a deal to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka could be wrapped up as early as next week. Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas revealed last week that both Anelka and teammate Alex were transfer-listed at their own request.

Anelka has been heavily linked with a January move away from Stamford Bridge, and a number of English clubs are reportedly keen to sign him, including West Ham, managed by his former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce.

But a move abroad always seemed more likely and a switch to China appears to be the most lucrative option ahead of deals in America or the Middle East. Shenhua’s assistant spokesperson Ma Yue confirmed that talks with Anelka’s brother, who acts as the player’s agent, have been positive and an agreement is not too far away.

“It will be a three year contract and will involve both football and commercial cooperation,” Ma enthused. Club chairman Zhu Jun added fuel to the rumour by posting a note on his blog hinting at Anelka’s possible arrival before revealing the news to the local media.

“We 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 cooperation.”

Anelka’s move to Shenhua could also be smoothed over by the fact his compatriot and former Fulham boss Jean Tigana is expected to be unveiled as the Chinese team’s new head coach.