'I Know Where I'll Be on 2 January,' Reveals Chelsea Striker

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has already decided where he will be playing in January, after the striker was told he would be allowed to leave when the transfer window re-opens.

Andre Villas-Boas confirmed on Sunday that he had accepted transfer requests from Anelka and Brazilian defender Alex and revealed the pair were training apart from the first-team.

Anelka said he had accepted he will not play for Chelsea again and is optimistic over his January move.

"I've known for a little while where I'll be on 2 January," the 32-year-old told Chelsea's official Web site.

"The club, which is going through a difficult time, has decided to work with Chelsea's players of the future and, as I am a good professional, I have accepted this."

Speaking after Chelsea's 3-0 win over Newcastle, Villas-Boas said Anelka would be allowed to leave in January.

"The conversation was fair and direct with the players," the Portuguese coach said. "The transfer requests were accepted but it doesn't mean it will happened and if it doesn't happen they will return to full training."

It appears likely that Anelka could be headed for the MLS, with newly-formed Montreal Impact coach Jesse Marsch confirming he has held talks with the striker.

"We did meet with Nicolas Anelka," he told Goal.com. "The discussions were very good. I think there was great potential for a good fit and I think there still is. I think the organisation is open to [being] committed to spending major dollars to bring in good players."