West Ham United can land Nicolas Anelka on a free, it has been revealed.

The Daily Star says Anelka is preparing to cancel his contract with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua - clearing the way for his ­Premier League return.

French striker Anelka, 33, is a January target for West Ham.

Big Sam wants to re-sign the striker he worked with at Bolton and the Hammers boss could be about to receive a boost.

According to sources in China, Anelka has agreed to tear up his big-money two-year deal so he can ­become a free agent.