Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua have set their sights on Didier Drogba after signing his Chelsea strike partner Nicolas Anelka today.

Anelka has agreed a two-year contract worth £175,000 a week having been told he is no longer wanted by Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas and will move when the transfer window opens next month.

It looks increasingly likely Drogba, who is expected to start against Premier League leaders Manchester City at Stamford Bridge tonight, will also leave at the end of the season.

Didier Drogba4

Drogba’s deal runs out in the summer and talks over an extension have broken down because he has been offered only a 12-month contract when he wants double that.

Shenhua are backed by wealthy businessman Zhou Jun, who believes he can take advantage of the fall-out. Zhou said: “Drogba, is a very excellent player. If these big-name players are willing to come to China, we are willing to have warm negotiations and communications with them.

“A lot of clubs are chasing Drogba. From our perspective, we also have to see what Drogba wants. So from our club’s perspective, we have this to say: If he is willing to come, we will definitely welcome him.”

Drogba’s agent Thierno Seydi said last week the Ivory Coast international will go to where he can earn the most and Shenhua’s rivals Dalian Aerbin are believed to have already offered him a three-year deal worth £200,000 a week.