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Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in 'midst of discussions' with Stoke City defender Matthew Upson
The former England international was believed to be the Super League's club target but the situation has reportedly changed with a Barcelona defender in the mix for a move
08-Feb-2012 9:52:00 AM
By Joel Sands
Getty Images
Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua are reported to be in talks over a potential move for Stoke City defender Matthew Upson.
Shenhua have already acquired the services of former Chelsea and France international Nicolas Anelka and former Bordeaux manager Jean Tigana. The big-spending Chinese club are also known to be pursuing Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba.
On the topic of Upson and Drogba, Shenhua official Ma Yue told Reuters: "There is nothing confirmed. We are still in the midst of discussions."
However, an unnamed Shanghai Shenhua official told Sina Sports the situation had developed, with the Chinese club wary of Upson's injury problems.
"There is something different in the discussion with Upson, the situation has maybe changed," the source said.
"Yesterday, we got an injury report about this player. Some coaches watched some the vdieos about Upson's match recently. The feedback is Upson is not as good as we expected before. If the player's current situation is not really good, we would give up finally."
The Chinese transfer window closes on March 1 and the source admitted the clock was ticking, but also revealed the club could turn its attention to an unnamed defender believed to be from Barcelona.
"The boss is likely to meet the chairman of Barcelona at 8pm tonight," the source said on Tuesday. "There would a conversation where we would invite the big defender to join Shanghai."
He added: "The time is tight. But we set up a high standard. We would make final decision and would not let Shanghai fans feel down."
Upson, 32, has endured a difficult campaign at the Premier League club having made just seven league appearances after joining in the summer as a free agent.
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail are reporting Stoke boss Tony Pulis wants to hold on to Upson in the short term at least, after Robert Huth's appeal to overturn his red card from the weekend's loss to Sunderland failed.
Shenhua have already acquired the services of former Chelsea and France international Nicolas Anelka and former Bordeaux manager Jean Tigana. The big-spending Chinese club are also known to be pursuing Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba.
On the topic of Upson and Drogba, Shenhua official Ma Yue told Reuters: "There is nothing confirmed. We are still in the midst of discussions."
However, an unnamed Shanghai Shenhua official told Sina Sports the situation had developed, with the Chinese club wary of Upson's injury problems.
"There is something different in the discussion with Upson, the situation has maybe changed," the source said.
"Yesterday, we got an injury report about this player. Some coaches watched some the vdieos about Upson's match recently. The feedback is Upson is not as good as we expected before. If the player's current situation is not really good, we would give up finally."
The Chinese transfer window closes on March 1 and the source admitted the clock was ticking, but also revealed the club could turn its attention to an unnamed defender believed to be from Barcelona.
"The boss is likely to meet the chairman of Barcelona at 8pm tonight," the source said on Tuesday. "There would a conversation where we would invite the big defender to join Shanghai."
He added: "The time is tight. But we set up a high standard. We would make final decision and would not let Shanghai fans feel down."
Upson, 32, has endured a difficult campaign at the Premier League club having made just seven league appearances after joining in the summer as a free agent.
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail are reporting Stoke boss Tony Pulis wants to hold on to Upson in the short term at least, after Robert Huth's appeal to overturn his red card from the weekend's loss to Sunderland failed.
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