Shanghai Shenhua is set to sign a French striker from Championship side Reading in England.

An unnamed Shenhua official told Sina.com yesterday that the club had reached a deal with Reading and will sign its young forward Mathieu Manset for 900,000 euros (US$1,189,845) for half a year.

The official said the contract had been sent to England and the 22-year-old should officially sign with Shenhua today.

Shenhua said the half-year contract was keeping in mind that Manset was keen to play in the Premier League next season.

"Manset is likely to go to the Premier League in the latter half of the year," the official was quoted as saying. "But things could get complicated if Manset plays well and the coach insists that he should stay for the whole season."

It was however unclear if the half-year contract was an indication of Didier Drogba's arrival from Chelsea in the summer.

Manset has scored three goals this season in 12 matches. Reading says the French striker has "impressive build" and "defenders hate playing against."

Shenhua also announced the signing of Serbian midfielder Mario Bozic yesterday from an Israeli club. The 1.81-meter midfielder is known for his headers and long-range shot taking.

Details of Bozic's contract were not disclosed.

The two latest signings mark the end of Shenhua's transfer window before the new season kicks off next month.

The club has already signed Nicolas Anelka from France, Joel Griffiths from Australia and Moises Moura Pinheiro from Brazil.

Meanwhile, Shenhua will play a friendly match this afternoon at the club's training center against Hunan Xiangtao from the China League 1.

Anelka is expected to play in the match.