Shanghai Shenhua is trying to sign Stoke City defender Matthew Upson, while talks continue about Didier Drogba joining his former Chelsea strike partner Nicolas Anelka at the Chinese club.

Shenhua official Ma Yue said yesterday that the Super League side was in talks with former England defender Upson but declined to give a timeline for the negotiations with the 32-year-old centre back.

Upson's future at Stoke has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks with the England international finding himself down the pecking order at the Britannia Stadium. The 32-year-old has only made five Premier League starts for Stoke since arriving from West Ham last summer and he was linked with a move to Southampton before the close of the transfer window. It remains to be seen if Stoke boss Tony Pulis would be willing to let Upson leave with the Potters still in the FA Cup and preparing for the resumption of the Europa League this month.

Shenhua has already turned heads in recent months after signing former France striker Anelka and appointing his compatriot Jean Tigana as coach.

The club has also been strongly linked with Ivory Coast striker Drogba and Ma again refused to rule out the signing.

Asked about both Drogba, 33, and Upson joining, Ma said: "There is nothing confirmed. We are still in the midst of discussions."