Derek Riordan signs deal with Shaanxi Chanba

• Riordan is happy to be heading to China. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The 28-year-old, who was also the subject of interest from Houston Dynamo and Crystal Palace, passed a medical and is expected to earn around 30,000 a week as part of the deal.

The Scotland international had stated that a move to China would be just what he needed to rekindle his love of football after admitting he had become bored of playing the game in the Scottish Premier League.

The 28-year-old was in search of a new club after leaving Easter Road at the end of last season and flew to China earlier this week to hold talks with Super League outfit in the hope of sealing a deal before the closure of the Chinese transfer window on Friday.

Speaking earlier in the week Riordan siad: "It's a good deal with good wages and a chance to set up my family. You have to look at that when you're coming towards the end of your career.

"I'm keen to try something different. I've been playing in the SPL for a long time and it's getting a bit boring.

"I remember sitting on the bench at Hamilton last season and there were about 2,000 punters there. That wasn't great. I enjoyed my time at Hibs but I think it's time for something different.

"They get gates of about 30,000, which is bigger than any club here outside the Old Firm. I'm looking forward to finding out more."

Shaanxi Chanba are based in the city of Xi'an which is located in the central province of Shaanxi in mainland China. The club, which was founded in 1995 under the name Shanghai Pudong, has since undergone numerous name changes and the team currently plays at Shaanxi Province Stadium which has a capacity of just over 50,000.

They gained promotion to the Chinese top-flight at the end of the 2001 season and claimed their highest league finish two years later when the club - then known as Shanghai International - finished as runners-up to Shanghai Shenhua.