Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Hitman Nicolas Anelka Could Finally Join Shanghai Shenhua Next Week

Chelsea's French striker, Nicolas Anelka, will decide whether or not to join Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua on a three-year deal, sometime next week.

If he does make the move, this may be seen as a fresh opportunity for the Frenchman, rather than spending time on the sidelines with the Premier League outfit.

The Chinese club had previously shown their interest in bring the French international to China and will do just that, as soon as the player agrees to terms and conditions set by the club.

In addition, the Chinese club are apparently also set to bring former Fulham and Bordeaux manager, Jean Amadou Tigana, to help steer the club to success.

While neither the English nor the Chinese club have revealed any details over the deal, it does appear certain that discussions are ongoing. Anelka, 32, knows it is pointless for him to sit on the bench, particularly at this point in his career and a new club may help him prove his worth.

The striker has fallen behind the pecking order in London, with the likes of Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Daniel Sturridge and even Romelu Lukaku around. He has only made three Premiership starts this season.

Shanghai Shenhua, also known as the Blue Devil finished last season in 11^th place in their domestic league. The Chinese league starts again in April, giving Anelka enough time to get used to Chinese football before then.

Anelka arrived at Chelsea in 2008 and was former manager Avram Grant's first signing, according to a Caughtoffside report.