Drogba tipped for Shanghai switch

Chelsea forward Didier Drogba is moving closer to sealing a switch to Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, according to the Daily Mail.

The Blues forward is out of contract at the end of the month, and has already confirmed his intention to leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires. The Ivorian international has been strongly linked with a move to China, and Shanghai Shenhua have led to chase to secure his signature.

The 34-year-old is thought to have been in discussions with the Chinese Super League club for the last month, and Shenhua manager Sergio Batista is hopeful his side will clinch the deal.

Speaking during a news conference, Batista said: "The possibility of Drogba coming is still relatively large. I believe the club's management is still in contact with Drogba."

The Argentinian manager revealed that he did not expect any further updates until 30 June, but a member of the club's board, Zhou Jun, is believed to be ready to open direct talks. Should Drogba sign for the Chinese club, he would join up with former-Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka.

The Frenchman signed for Shenhua in January after four years at Stamford Bridge, and has gone on to make nine Super League appearances for his new club. Chelsea have been linked with a number of replacements for Drogba, including Porto striker Hulk and Napoli forward Edinson Cavani.

But it has also emerged that the Stamford Bridge side are reportedly interested in Fiorentina star Stevan Jovetic. The Serbian international is thought to be a £20m target for the Blues, as they look to add to their existing squad.