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Striker Nicolas Anelka may be playing for QPR in January

French striker in talks to end contract with mainland side Shanghai Shenhua and move to struggling QPR next month, say reports

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Nicolas Anelka

Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is in talks to terminate his contract with his mainland side Shanghai Shenhua, the club said yesterday, amid reports he may sign for Queens Park Rangers.

"The discussion is between the club and himself, I don't know about the specific details," Shanghai Shenhua spokesman Ma Yue said. "But so far we haven't got the final result."

According to internet portal Sina.com, Anelka has agreed to forgo the final year of his contract, worth US$7 million, as long as Shanghai allow him to leave on a free transfer.

The report said the former Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bolton and Chelsea player wants to return to the Premiership by signing with Queens Park Rangers.

Anelka, who has 69 caps for France, made headlines when he signed with Shanghai at the beginning of last season, becoming China's first direct import from the English Premier League.

But his presence failed to inspire the team and he scored only three goals during the season, with Shanghai finishing ninth in the 16-team league.

As the side struggled, Shanghai brought in Anelka's former Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba, making the team one of the highest paid in the Super League.

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