Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua have admitted that an approach has been made towards Chelsea over the availability of striker Nicolas Anelka.

The Frenchman, who reaches the end of his contract next summer, has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge for some time.

The 32-year-old has reportedly alerted the interest of Russian billionaire club Anzhi Makhachkala, while a switch to the American Major League Soccer could be a potential destination.

"It is so difficult. We actually asked about Anelka," a Shanghai Shenhua official told DF Daily. "We also know he could leave the Blues as a Bosman player next summer but there are so many clubs interested in him.

"AC Milan, Russian clubs and some Gulf clubs. If we want to sign him finally, [his contract] would cost plenty."

The former Liverpool frontman has only made three starts for Andre Villas-Boas's side this season.