After completing less than half of a season in China, Didier Drogba has asked for his Shanghai Shenhua contract to be terminated. The Italian press is reporting that the Ivory Coast international, who is currently representing his country at the African Nations Cup, sent a letter to Shanghai Shenhua asking for his contract to be terminated, putting several Italian clubs, including AC Milan, Juventus and Lazio, on alert.

If the Chinese Super League club agrees to terminate his lucrative contract, which runs through the 2014 season, Drogba would be able to return to Europe on a free transfer, although his salary demands could be a problem. According to Sky Sports Italia, the former Chelsea striker, who is 34, is seeking a hefty $5.3 million to complete the current season, plus another $8 million to play in the 2013-2014 season. He currently earns more than $317,000 per week. Drogba scored eight goals in 11 appearances last year for Shanghai Shenhua, which finished a disappointing ninth in the 2012 Chinese Super League table.