Liverpool
could pip Premier League rivals Chelsea to
the signing of CSKA Moscow's Yuri
Zhirkov at the end of the season,
according to a report in the local newspaper The Daily
Post.
The Blues were expected to
land the 30-time capped Russian international this summer as they
have been long-term admirers of the player and have a strong
Russian connection.
However, it is thought that Reds boss Rafael Benitez has identified
the 25-year-old, who is affectionately known as 'the Russian
Ronaldinho', as the man to solve his left-sided problems.
The Spaniard is expected to sell Italian international left-back
Andrea Dossena, who has failed to convince since arriving at
Anfield from Udinese for €7.8 million (£7m) last year.
Zhirkov's versatility may well have appealed to Benitez - he is
able to play as a left-back or a left-winger – and the former
Valencia head
coach is ready to shell out the €16.7m (£15m) it
is thought he will cost.
"Zhirkov is a player of such high level, he would only show all his
potential playing in such a strong competition as the English
Premier League," Brazilian legend Zico, who is manager of CSKA
Moscow, is quoted as saying.
