With the possibility of coach Gordon Igesund leaving Moroka Swallows for Bafana Bafana comes the prospect of several players flying out of the aviary for China.

The Times has learnt that Chinese soccer giants and big spenders Shanghai Shenhua have expressed interest in some Swallows players.

The players reportedly on the wanted list are David Mathebula, Luvhengo Mngomeni and captain Lefa Tsutsulupa.

This was after Swallows took part in the Shanghai Football Association's International Soccer Cup in China last week.

Shenhua are expected to sign Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba after he announced his departure from Chelsea.

Shenhua have already signed former Drogba teammate Nicolas Anelka and coach Sergio Batista, who helped Argentina win the 1986 World Cup as a player and took gold as coach at the Beijing Olympics four years ago.

"Shenhua were impressed by some of our players and expressed interest in signing them," said Swallows brand manager Siya Sangweni.

"We are waiting for them to come back to us."

Mathebula said: "I know the Chinese are looking for players, but I have not heard anything at this stage about my being on their wanted list.

"It will be great to further my soccer career abroad. Shenhua are a big club in China. They are trying to recruit top players."

Veteran striker Siyabonga Nomvethe did not go to China with Swallows as he was on national duty with Bafana Bafana.