Published: 20 February, 2009, 17:14
Edited: 20 February, 2009, 17:14
Chelsea's new part-time manager Guus Hiddink may be planning a raid on some of Russia's top footballing talents, according to British media reports.
CSKA Moscow stars Yury Zhirkov and Alan Dzagoev are among the players linked with the Blues in possible summer moves.
Despite Hiddink's managerial deal expiring before the next transfer window, his interest in Russian player of the year Zhirkov is said to be high.
Eighteen-year-old sensation Dzagoev is also a hot transfer target. The teenager came to the fore after scoring a brace in a UEFA cup match against Deportivo last year.
The Daily Mail reports that Hiddink is pushing for the deal to be the number one priority during the summer break.
The friendly relationship between CSKA president Evegniy Giner and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is adding fuel to the rumors.
The information seems doubtful as Guus Hiddink has categorically ruled out the possibility that he will continue to work at Chelsea next season, the AP news agency reports.
“I will help Chelsea till just before the end of the current season. I have a contract with the Russian Football Union, which I intend to fulfill. So in March and at the end of May, I will go to Moscow to work with the Russian team,” Hiddink said.
Speculation about CSKA players’ transfers is quite usual when the club travels to Britain to play in European tournaments and the Army Men had a UEFA Cup game in Birmingham against Aston Villa on Wednesday. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Another CSKA star Wagner Love who has already scored nine goals in the UEFA Cup also refuted rumours about his move to the Premier League.
Everton and Manchester City have shown interest in the Brazilian striker but he said he’s satisfied with his position at the Moscow club.
“I’ve heard about interest from Everton and Man City. But I am a CSKA man and I am happy about it,” he said.