Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba, who earlier confirmed he would leave European champions Chelsea after the expiry of his contract on 30 June, is expected to announce a deal with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in a few days' time, according to a Goal.com report.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Drogba has been in negotiations with the Chinese club for a few days and will make his announcement on his personal Web site, according to the Chinese club's chief investor Zhu Jun. The 34 year old striker was linked to Spanish champions Real Madrid and Dubai-based club Al Wasl.

"You should ask this question to Drogba's management. We have put in great effort for nearly half a year and particularly last week, when we met with his management team to reach a unanimous agreement on some crucial points," ESPN quoted Jun as saying.

"As of this morning, things are developing in the right direction, but I don't know if Drogba will announce he is joining us today. Right now, I really don't know. Maybe I can give you all an answer tomorrow, maybe we need to wait a few more days. Who knows?" he added.

Nevertheless, the Chinese industrialist did reveal his club were looking to sign Drogba for two and a half years so they can boost their chances of a shot at the Chinese Super League title. The 45 year old businessman also said the decision of who would be captain of the club (the present captain is Drogba's former Chelsea team mate Nicolas Anelka) was something best left to newly appointed coach, Argentinean Sergio Batista.

"Right now, I cannot comment [on the terms offered]. This deal involves two parties and is confidential. Even if Drogba joins Shenhua, we won't leak details. I can say that we have offered a two and a half year contract. The coach is Batista, he will decide who is captain. But, I have faith in Drogba's professionalism," said Jun, according to ESPN.

The club earlier sacked French coach Jean Tigana after a string of poor performances and the signing of Anelka, along with the probable capture of Drogba, indicates an outfit serious about its long term ambitions.

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