Mali striker Frederic Kanoute reads a team publication in this picture on Beijing Guo'an's official website after signing up with the Chinese Super League side.

China's growing popularity as the preferred destination for aging former English Premier League players shows no sign of slowing with striker Frederic Kanoute completing a move to Beijing Guo'an, the Chinese Super League side said.

The Beijing club said in a brief statement on Saturday that the 2007 African Footballer of the Year had completed his move but gave no details. Kanoute's ex-club Sevilla said the 34-year-old had agreed a two-year deal with Beijing.

Malian Kanoute spent seven successful years in Spain after plying his trade at English clubs Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. Beijing lost to leader Guangzhou Evergrande 2-3 last night and now is fourth on 25 points. Evergrande tops with 35.

The transfer adds to the ever growing list of big foreign signings made by Chinese clubs in recent times.

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba recently followed his former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka in making a lucrative move to Shanghai Shenhua.

Meanwhile, Shenhua lost 0-1 away to Qingdao Jonoon yesterday.

Despite a third straight loss, manager Sergio Batista believes Shenhua will move into the top three. "We gave them too many chances in the first half and didn't control the ball. We didn't have the right attitude," the Argentine said. "I made some adjustment in the second half but we have to play more aggressive if we want to move higher."

Batista also gave his support to Anelka, who refused to shake hands with Jonoon players after the loss. "I don't think (the loss) is Anelka's fault. He played well," the coach insisted.

Shenhua is still stuck in 12th place in the 16-team league after 14 rounds.