
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.
ZzzzZzZZzz think if Chelsea offer they will sell to Chelsea instead.
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