The first part of our Tuesday full of spletnik, we offer up some quick updates on previous stories and some speculative morsels straight off the Russian presses.
Schalke's Levan Kenia considering a change of scenery
–Zenit St. Petersburg may make a move for young Schalke 04 (Germany) midfielder Levan Kenia, according to Sport-Express.
The 19-year-old Georgian is a highly rated playmaking midfielder, capable of occupying a position in the center or on either flank. His technique and passing skills, however, have seen him most productive in the center of the pitch, leading the attack.
Experiencing a nagging knee injury since joining Schalke, Kenia has only featured in 10 matches this season. The player appears to be the interested party, facilitating the rumor connecting him with Zenit. Having expressed his own interest in playing for the St. Petersburg club, his kind words may spark the negotiations between the two clubs
–In the land of Zenit rumors, there also lies the story of Victor Fayzulin.
Fayzulin, in comments made about his future, said “Recently I have rarely appeared for Zenit, and it is possible that in the coming days I could leave the squad.”
It is suspected that Spartak Moskva is currently keeping a watch on Fayzulin’s availability, and may invite the 23-year-old to join their squad in Belek, Turkey. Zenit have not confirmed these reports.
The former Nalchik man has been with Zenit for two years. In 2009 the winger saw his playing time decline after the acquisition of Vladimir Bystrov.
Just today Fayzulin has backtracked on his recent comments, saying he has no intention of leaving Zenit.
CSKA Sofia's Ivan Stoyanov has been garnering RPL attention
–Spartak officials other wing options on their minds, and are apparently taking advantage of the nonstop football being played in Turkey at the moment, having a look at potential recruits as squads from an assortment of leagues train in the warm climate during the off-season.
Rumors circulating early this week have the Red-Whites warming to CSKA Sofia’s winger Ivan Stoyanov. While the Moskva club has not entered into negotiations with CSKA for the 26-year-old, there is news that team scouts have been closely monitoring his performance during friendlies over the last week.
This season, Stoyanov’s first with CSKA, has seen him settle comfortably into the Reds midfield. Though he has typically played on the wings, with CSKA he has also adapted to a central attacking role that has yielded 8 goals in 13 matches.
Spartak will get a chance for an even closer look at Stoyanov when Spartak face the Sofia club in a friendly on 6 February. It is thought that should he have a strong showing that Valery Karpin and his colleagues may make a formal offer for his transfer. However, should the Fayzulin rumors have a grain of truth, Spartak may feel more inclined to pursue the Zenit man given his Russian passport.
Reports today also suggest interest for Stoyanov coming from the Russian Army men, CSKA Moskva.
–Terek Grozny has officially signed Fluminense midfielder Maurício. The deal is said to be for three years, with a possible two year extension.
Coach Anatoly Baidachny offered his praises for the Brazilian, stating that “he can play almost any position in the midfield equally well. A few workouts were enough to see how much quality the footballer has.”
–Tom Tomsk coach Valeri Nepomniachi and his staff have been out scouting as well. The Siberians are currently considering a move for Steaua Bucureşti right-back Paweł Golański, according to Sport-Express.
Golański has been with Steaua since 2007, having been transferred from Korona Kielce (Poland) for €1 million. His contract is set to expire this summer, and given that contract extension talks have yet to materialize, the Romanian club is likely to make a transfer move.
Tom Tomsk is also close to signing another Steaua player. Recently the club was linked to midfielder Mihăiţă Pleşan, who has struggled to secure a spot in Steaua’s main squad.
Tom appear close to signing the 26-year-old, and are reportedly finalizing an offer that would see Pleşan receive twice the amount he has been making with more than in Steaua: €300,000 a season.
Andrei Streltsov returns to Anzhi
–The Not-as-famous Streltsov has a new club.
Former FK Khimki right-back Andrei Streltsov has returned to Anzhi Makhachkala. The 25-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the club.
Streltsov was previously with the Dagestan club in 2006-08.
–Red Star Belgrade left-winger Marko Blažić has fallen within the purview of FK Moskva, according to Sportske.
The 24-year-old is the third Red Star player to be linked with FK Moskva—precipitated by the unfortunate confluence of financial turmoil besetting the Belgrade club and the depletion of the Citizens’ squad this off-season.
Previously, the Moskva club had inquired into the availability of midfielder Vladimir Bogdanović and Pavle Ninkov, but both look likely to stay with Red Star.
–Loko’s Rodolfo will miss the beginning of the 2010 season.
On Wednesday Lokomotiv defensive mainstay Rodolfo will undergo a hip surgery in Rio de Janeiro. The ex-Fluminense player will be operated on by a doctor from his former employer, which will likely take three to four months of recovery time.
I didn’t feel it was appropriate to try to squeeze in information about FK Moskva’s current financial problems in this post–plus, still waiting for more information to come. But, needless to say, they have greater problems than which Red Star player they can afford.
Tons of rumors today have been circulated over whether or not–ala Krylia–the Citizens can even obtain a license for next season. Unlike Krylia, however, they are not strapped with huge amounts of debt and they are actually paying their players at the moment. Instead, their problem stems from their lack of a budget–which they will have to submit to the RFU very shortly. The licensing hearings take place tomorrow and Wednesday.
There are unsubstantiated rumors that Alania Vladikavkaz have been contacted by RPL officials to gauge their preparedness should they be promoted. No doubt North Ossetian fans, once again, are perched on the edge of their seats. I don’t think Moskva’s troubles are so dire, however, but we could know as early as Friday if there are any dramatic changes to the league for 2010.
[...] a 26-year-old attacking midfielder, was strongly scouted by Spartak Moskva and CSKA Moskva earlier this off-season after scoring 8 goals in 13 matches for [...]