Chinese striker Wu open to European union

Newly crowned CSL player of the year hopeful he could soon be mulling offers from England or Germany

As the Chinese Super League's top marksman last season, Wu Lei is wondering if his lethal right foot could pierce some tougher defenses abroad

The Shanghai SIPG striker has put himself in the international shop window thanks to a league-leading 27 goals that helped the Red Eagles to their first CSL title, ending Guangzhou Evergrande's seven-year stranglehold on the championship.

Wu's prolific form earned him the CSL's player of the year award at a ceremony in Haiku, Hainan province on Wednesday, but questions have now inevitably turned to whether the China international can bag an even greater reward in the form of a contract in one of the world's top leagues.

"If the right opportunity comes up, I will choose to play overseas," Wu told Tencent Sports on Wednesday.

"Of course, I have to consider many factors. Given my age (27), I'd have to be guaranteed playing time to join a foreign club. That's the most important thing.

"English Premier League games are always on TV in Shanghai and I've been watching Bundesliga since I was a kid. I really like the style of the two leagues and I'm confident that I can handle that pressure and fit into their pace."

And it seems SIPG would not stand in his way should a European team come calling.

"If there's a suitable foreign club, we will fully support Wu's decision as he has proved himself," said SIPG chairman Chen Xuyuan.

"However, to become a true megastar, he still needs to improve. Playing in a foreign league is a great way to do that.

"There are two preconditions to a move, however. First, is whether it will benefit Chinese soccer's development, and secondly, whether it will benefit the player's own development.

"If he can find a balance between those two provisos, the club will for sure support him."