Zhirkov on verge of £18m Chelsea switch as Barce dream fades
-
Yuri Zhirkov on verge of £18m Chelsea switch as Russia star's dream move to Barcelona fades
Hot property: Yuri Zhirkov is set to leave CSKA Moscow
Yuri Zhirkov is expected to be a Chelsea player by the middle of next week. The versatile Russia wide man is ready to sign a four-year contract worth £80,000 a week and an £18million fee has reportedly been agreed with CSKA Moscow.
The deal was agreed in principle six months ago but has been complicated by Zhirkov's preference for playing for Barcelona and his fear of being just a squad player at Stamford Bridge.
But Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who spoke to Zhirkov after Russia's match in Finland earlier this month, is said to have assured the 25-year-old he will be highly valued by new boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Supporter: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich watched Russia in Finland
Zhirkov can play left wing or left back and there is a suggestion that Salomon Kalou could be off-loaded by the Blues' new Italian boss.
Former AC Milan boss Ancelotti has given the green light to the Zhirkov deal after seeing Russia's 3-0 win in Helsinki and was also said to be interested in Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. However, no enquiry has been made for the White Hart Lane man.
The Euro 2008 star has put a dampener on the move by declaring a childhood love for Barcelona. And although the European champions are keen, they are put off by the high fee and are turning to Deportivo la Coruna's Brazilian full-back Filipe Luis, who will cost half the price.
CSKA boss Zico is resigned to losing his star player and has already handed a list of targets to club president Yevgeny Giner.
-
finally?
dun buy pavlyuchenko please. if buy also just pay 5m.
-
EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea sign City starlet Sturridge but £3m is not enough as fee to be decided by tribunal
Dan's the man: Sturridge is leaving Manchester City for Chelsea
Chelsea have won the fight to sign England Under 20 striker Daniel Sturridge from Manchester City. But Sportsmail understands the fee will be decided by a tribunal after the two clubs failed to reach an agreement on adequate compensation for a player whose contract expires this summer.
Sturridge, 19, is not available on a Bosman free because he is under 24 and City are thought to be seeking a ‘development fee’ of £10million when the matter goes before an FA tribunal.
Chelsea hoped to reach an agreement but their £3m offer has been rejected.
Sturridge stunned City by demanding £55,000 a week to sign a new contract at Eastlands, leaving Chelsea and Aston Villa to fight for his signature.
He made 16 Premier League appearances last season and scored four goals but Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen has been after him for three years.
City are expected to make a claim for a down-payment in excess of £5m and propose that the remainder of the money comes in performance-related instalments.
-
wooah.. young, english, striker, good bargain. But i got a feeling this fella also money face one.
-
FLORENT MALOUDA has signed a two-year contract extension with Chelsea.
The French winger appeared destined for the exit at Stamford Bridge until Guus Hiddink's spell in charge revitalised his fortunes.
And the performances were enough to persuade new boss Carlo Ancelotti to offer him another deal.
Malouda said: "I have added two more years at Chelsea, so I am now here for the next four years.
"I am always in the news when the transfer market opens but I am fine at Chelsea."
Malouda, who joined the Blues from Lyon for £13.5million in 2007, also believes the FA Cup holders will be in the hunt for glory next season.
The 29-year-old added: "We will go for the Premier League and Champions League."