Nicolas Anelka set for return to the Premier League - but with QPR or West Ham?

London clubs have expressed interest in signing the French striker

Nicolas Anelka (GETTY IMAGES)

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed his interest in signing French striker Nicolas Anelka.

West Ham are also reportedly monitoring the situation and are preparing a deal which would see the 33-year-old head to east rather than west London in January.

It is understood Anelka is trying to cancel his contract with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua. Since joining in the summer, along with former Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba, Anelka has entered into a dispute over pay that sees him at logger heads with the club.

Should the former Arsenal player push through the termination of his contract, he is expected to return to the Premier League - with both QPR and West Ham expressing an interest in signing him.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp, eager to bolster his front-line in light of injuries to Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson, hopes a deal can be done.

"He is a player that is of interest to anybody," the Rs boss said. "I think he is finishing in China so he is available.

"It is what you can do, whether you can afford these players, what they are looking for, whether they are reasonable, whether you can deal with them and most importantly whether you think they can do the job you want.

"He is a top player so he is a player we would be interested in, but whether we could afford to get anywhere near I him I am not sure.

"I think the chairman knows Nicolas' people and that so has got a few details on what it would be.

"It depends, as I say, just how expensive the whole package comes to. If it is within reason, he is a player that could certainly improve your team. There is no doubt about it."

West Ham have also expressed an interest, with the club hoping manager Sam Allardyce's relationship with the player formed when the pair worked together at Bolton, may be able to swing any deal in their favour.

"We are looking for good players and Anelka is a good player," said assistant manager Neil McDonald. "He had a fantastic relationship with Sam."

Should Anelka return to the Premier League with either side it will be his sixth Premier League club, having played for Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton and Chelsea.