Anelka to make January Shenhua move

Chelsea star Nicolas Anelka is to join Shanghai Shenhua on a two-year contract, the club said today, in a huge boost for China's scandal-hit Super League. The 32-year-old French striker - by far the biggest name yet to sign for a Chinese club - will join next month, Shenhua said in a brief statement that did not mention the value of the deal. "Shanghai Shenhua and Chelsea have reached consensus that French striker Nicolas Anelka will officially join Shanghai Shenhua in January 2012 after the winter transfer window opens," said the statement on the club's website. There was no immediate confirmation of the deal from representatives of the former Arsenal and Real Madrid star, who will be the first ex-Premier League player in China's Super League.