Nicolas Anelka [File Photo]

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is set to sign a ￡6.4 million-a-year ($10 million) deal with Chinese soccer club Shanghai Shenhua, London's Daily Mail reported Monday.

A club spokesman?did not?deny the report in a telephone interview with China Daily Website?saying it would be inappropriate to comment on the possible move.

"This is not a rumor, you don't need to wait too long. We will make an announcement as soon as the club signs a contract (with Anelka)," said the spokesman.

"We do have plans to introduce big-name players next season," he added.

Zhu Jun, the owner of Shanghai Shenhua, teased on his Sina Weibo micro blog last Saturday that news of the move will become clear in ten days.

The French striker will become the most expensive player in the history of Chinese football if the deal goes ahead.

Currently, the highest paid player in the Chinese Super League (CSL) is Darío Leonardo Conca, with an annual salary of $7 million at Guangzhou Evergrande.

Former Fulham head coach Jean Tigana is highly likely to head Shanghai Shenhua next year. The Frenchman inspected the facilities of the club late November and is expected to come back to Shanghai on Dec 15, leading to speculation he will sign a contract with the club.

Anelka's transfer request has been accepted by the Blues and he has been barred from using the club's training facilities, according to the Daily Mail.