Ryan McGowan set to net over a million dollars in Shendong move

RYAN McGowan’s move to China is set to make the former Hearts man a dollar millionaire.

Former Hearts defender McGowan is understood to be in line to receive $1.2 million (£750,000) over the course of his ten-month contract at China’s Shangdong Ludeng. The Australian will formally conclude his signing from Hearts in the next few days.

On top of his tax-free wage, the Australian will receive a rent-free apartment in Shangdong Province in the East China region.

McGowan is the latest in a string of players to leave teams in the West for Chinese sides. Former English Premier League stars Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka, Yakubu and Frederic Kanoute all ply their trade in the Chinese Super League.

McGowan’s new club are owned by the Shangdong Ludeng electric company, the region’s largest electrical supplier, and the team play in the 43,700-seat Shangdon Provincial Stadium.

Luneng finished 12th in the 16-team Chinese Super League last season, winning just eight of their 30 matches. The new league season begins in March.