Guanzhou denies holding Drogba talks

Published Jan. 10, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Chinese giants Guangzhou Evergrande have denied speculation they are lining up a January bid for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

But Shanghai Shenhua reportedly remain keen to sign the Ivory Coast international to resume his partnership with recent signing Nicolas Anelka.

National champions Guangzhou were rumoured to be ready to offer $625,000 a week to Drogba, who is entering the final six months of his current contract at Stamford Bridge.

But a Guangzhou spokeman said: "We have had no contact with Drogba whatsoever, nor have we authorised anyone to contact him.

"The recent reports on Drogba are pure speculation, he is not in our plans."

Shanghai, who are expected to appoint Jean Tigana as their new coach this week, have already declared their interest in signing Drogba during the January transfer window.

Newly-promoted Dalian Aerbin have also been linked with the 33-year-old, who has stalled on signing a new deal with the west London club.