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Shanghai Shenhua director hopeful of completing deal for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba next week
The ambitious club rubbished a report claiming they were on the verge of signing the Ivory Coast star but admitted they are hoping for an answer by Chinese New Year
18 Jan 2012 09:43:00
By Ben Somerford
Getty Images
Shanghai Shenhua have moved to quell rumours in the Chinese media claiming they have nearly completed the signing of Chelsea's Didier Drogba.
A Shanghai television broadcaster reported earlier this week that Shenhua were on the verge of a deal for the Ivory Coast striker, who is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and is apparently also being chased by clubs from Russia and the MLS.
However, Shenhua officials denied the report, with owner Zhu Jun confirming on his Weibo (the Chinese version of Twitter) on Tuesday that no deal had been agreed, but the club were still very much in the race for Drogba.
Zhu Jun has since confirmed discussions are being held with the Ivory Coast man's management.
Shenhua director Zhou Jun added: "Maybe we can complete a deal before Chinese New Year [January 23]."
English newspaper The Mirror had also claimed last week that the Chinese club, who recently signed Nicolas Anelka from the Blues, were closing in on Drogba with a lucrative two-and-a-half year deal believed to be worth £300,000 per week.
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A Shanghai television broadcaster reported earlier this week that Shenhua were on the verge of a deal for the Ivory Coast striker, who is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and is apparently also being chased by clubs from Russia and the MLS.
However, Shenhua officials denied the report, with owner Zhu Jun confirming on his Weibo (the Chinese version of Twitter) on Tuesday that no deal had been agreed, but the club were still very much in the race for Drogba.
Zhu Jun has since confirmed discussions are being held with the Ivory Coast man's management.
Shenhua director Zhou Jun added: "Maybe we can complete a deal before Chinese New Year [January 23]."
English newspaper The Mirror had also claimed last week that the Chinese club, who recently signed Nicolas Anelka from the Blues, were closing in on Drogba with a lucrative two-and-a-half year deal believed to be worth £300,000 per week.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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