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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

BPL: Anelka in talks to leave Shanghai Shenhua for QPR

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http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20121217-390048.html

Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is in talks to terminate his contract with his current Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, the club said Monday, 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.

According to the sports website of leading Internet portal Sina.com, Anelka has agreed to forgo the final year of his contract, worth US$7 million (S$8.5 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 Queens Park Rangers.

Anelka's presence has failed to inspire Shanghai Shenhua and he scored only three goals during the season, with Shanghai finishing ninth in the 16-team league.

As the side struggled, Shanghai brought in Anelka's former Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba, making the team one of the highest paid in the Super League.

The 34-year-old Drogba signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Shanghai in July but the Ivory Coast striker has also been reported to be reconsidering his options after the disappointing season.

After taking on Anelka, the club promptly signed experienced French manager Jean Tigana, but sacked him early on after a string of losses.

Anelka was then named player-coach until Argentine coach Sergio Batista was brought in despite objections from the Frenchman, nicknamed "Le Sulk" for his surly demeanour.

Anelka himself was shuffled around between defensive midfield, up front, on the wing and in his favoured "second striker" position in a baffling array of tactical approaches.

The 33-year-old has said the season was the biggest challenge of his career, as he tried to stop the rot eating away at the team and mould an inexperienced group of players into a side capable of winning the increasingly competitive Chinese Super League.

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