Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka could join Thierry Henry at New York Red Bulls - report

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Nicolas Anelka could end his career with MLS side New York Red Bulls, according to L’Equipe.

The Chelsea striker’s contract will expire with the Blues in around 18 months, but having been a potential pawn in the negotiations with Liverpool over Fernando Torres, it is clear the veteran France striker no longer commands an automatic spot with his London employers, who retained his services this January despite signing the Spanish World Cup winner's arrival.

It is reported in France that Anelka could now be sought in the USA, where his friend Thierry Henry already plays with the MLS club. Additionally, the Chelsea forward’s brother, Claude Anelka, is a coach at a second tier club in the country.

Red Bulls are said to already be working on a programme to capture the enigmatic striker, who showed some of his best form as the Blues defeated Sunderland 4-2 on Wednesday evening.

New York have not retained the services of Juan Pablo Angel for the 2011 season, freeing up one of three spots on their roster for players who don’t count towards the salary cap. Anelka won’t move immediately west, but he is certainly in the club’s long-term ambitions.