Derek Riordan signs lucrative two-year deal in China

Derek Riordan has sealed a life-changing move to China after agreeing a two-year contract with Shaanxi Chanba, and is set to make his debut as early as this weekend.

The deal is understood to have quadrupled what Riordan had been earning at Hibs, whom he left this summer following the expiry of his contract.

Riordan travelled to Xi'an, where his new club are based, earlier this week and spoke of wishing to escape the routine of the Scottish Premier League.

His new club lie in mid-table in China's Super League and face an away game with Liaoning Hongyu on Sunday. Riordan, who was unveiled at a press conference in Xi'an on Wednesday night, has travelled to Shenyang to join up with his team-mates and Serbian head coach Milorad Kosanovic.

It is more likely, however, that he will feature in his side's match against Shenzhen Ruby next Thursday night.

"Derek might be involved this weekend - but he has not done a pre-season remember," said his agent Jim McArthur, who accompanied Riordan to China.

• From Leith to China: Derek Riordan swaps one People's Republic for another

"It's a really good deal for him, it's two years. He is totally up for it. That might surprise a lot of people."

Asked about the reaction of the locals, McArthur said: "They love the fact he's come here. He's a goalscorer.

"They buy into the fact he's third-top goalscorer of all time in the SPL

"The fans have been great with him," he added. "The press are up for it as well. There were over 30 journalists at his first press conference."

Riordan's partner Suzanna and 11-month-old daughter Ruby will remain in Edinburgh for the time being. The Chinese league season ends in November.