Drogba's Shanghai talks on track

Shanghai Shenhua have confirmed talks to sign Didier Drogba on a free transfer from Chelsea are continuing 'as planned'.

Striker ready for new challenge after deciding to leave Chelsea

Shanghai Shenhua have confirmed talks to sign Didier Drogba on a free transfer from Chelsea are continuing 'as planned'. Drogba revealed on Tuesday that he is ending his eight-year association with Chelsea after helping the club to win the UEFA Champions League for the first time last weekend. The Ivory Coast striker headed the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich before rolling home the decisive penalty in the shoot-out at the Allianz Arena. He admitted that winning the European Cup is the perfect way to end his illustrious career at Stamford Bridge and he is now ready to embark on a new challenge. The 34-year-old is widely expected to join Shenhua and the Chinese club are happy with the way discussions are progressing. "As of now, Shenhua's negotiations with Drogba are continuing just as planned," the club's owner Zhu Jun told the Oriental Sports Daily. Drogba's former Chelsea team-mate Nicolas Anelka joined Shenhua in January and is currently player/coach following the recent sacking of ex-Fulham boss Jean Tigana.