QPR News: Nicolas Anelka Returning To The Premier League?

By Joseph Dempsey / December 18, 2012

Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka could be making a return to the Premier League in January, according to The Telegraph. The Frenchman is believed to be in talks with his current club, Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, about terminating his contract. It is now being reported that a potential switch to QPR could be on the cards in January, but for that to happen, Anelka would have to forego the final year of his contract with the Super League outfit, believed to be worth about $7million. It is understood the former Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton and Chelsea forward is unhappy with his current sides performances, which has led to him reconsidering his future. He told France's Le Journal du Dimanche recently:

"The team is very young and, apart from the foreign recruits, lacks experience, we're starting from zero, or near enough."

It is also believed that there has been growing unrest within the Shanghai Shenhua camp - players have been complaining about unpaid wages, and French manager Jean Tigana was fired this July after a string of poor results, along with players complaining over his training methods. Anelka himself was then named player-coach, until Argentine Sergio Batista was brought in despite objections from the Frenchman, who then found himself playing in a string of bizarre positions, such as in defensive midfield and on the wing. His former Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba then joined him at the club later in July, though it is understood he is also reconsidering his options. Shanghai Shenhua spokesman Ma Yue said of Anelka:

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