STOKE are awaiting developments in China after defender Matthew Upson was linked with a possible move to Shanghai Shenhua.

The Chinese Super League club, managed by one-time Fulham boss Jean Tigana, have already recruited Nicolas Anelka and courted Didier Drogba ahead of their new season in a few weeks.

Fresh investment is now rolling into Chinese football to finance the pursuit of players such as Upson in the twilight of their careers.

Shenhua official Ma Yue declined to comment in detail, instead stating: "There is nothing confirmed. We are still in the midst of discussions."

Upson, aged 32, is seen as ripe for the picking after struggling to make an impact at Stoke since joining on a two-year contract last August.

The former England defender has started just five Premier League games for the club, adding a further 10 starts in knockout games.

Manager Tony Pulis has always spoken glowingly of Upson, but accommodating him in central defence hasn't been easy as he has clearly fallen behind Ryan Shawcross, Robert Huth and Jonathan Woodgate in the pecking order.

There was talk of Upson leaving in January, and whispers over his future have gathered momentum after his failure to even figure on the bench in the last five fixtures.

But releasing him now appears risky as long as Stoke remain in three competitions.

Former Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood, whose agent is ex-Port Vale defender Phil Sproson, is among those foreigners dipping their toes into Chinese football after spending six months there in 2011. Others are starting to roll in, but Chinese clubs are limited to a maximum of five overseas signings.

The reputation of the Chinese Super League is back on track after a Government crackdown on match-fixing and corruption.

Growing interest among the Chinese is reflected in average attendances in the Super League, which have almost doubled to 17,500 since 2004.

Average crowds at Shanghai Shenhua's 33,000 capacity stadium are a little more modest, however, actually dropping by 4,000 to just under 10,000 during the same seven-year period.

MARTIN SPINKS

More Stoke City articles:

Stoke City: Sunderland boss says Huth had to go ... but backs Pulis over play-acting

Stoke City: Coates sees red as Huth appeal is dismissed

Martin Smith: The signs aren't good, but we can turn fortunes around

Stoke City: Sending off wrecks City's youth cup hopes