Chelsea's Yuri Zhirkov emerges as loan target
for Dynamo Kiev after ?18m marquee signing turns bit-part Blue.
By Ashley Gray
Yuri Zhirkov Photo chelseafc.com
Dynamo Kiev are considering a loan move for Chelsea wide
man Yuri Zhirkov.
The Russia international was the Blues marquee signing when he joined
from CSKA Moscow for ?18million in the summer.
But injuries have hampered his development at Stamford Bridge, where he
has managed just six Premier League appearances.
The 26-year-old warned before making the switch that he would not be happy
to be a bit-part player for the Blues, though he has been patient and
positive while battling unexplained swelling in both his knees since moving
to England.
Zhirkov started Chelsea's last two games, but assistant boss Ray Wilkins
recently admitted he was behind Ashley Cole - 'the best left-back in the
world' - while Florent Malouda is preferred on the left wing.
A recent audition in central midfield is likely to be short-lived once
Michael Essien and John Mikel Obi return, so Kiev are ready to chance
their arm.
The Ukrainian League leaders can still do business as their championship
does not resume until the end of the month.
Kiev's Russian boss Valery Gazzaev nurtured Zhirkov at CSKA and would
be keen to sign him for the rest of the season.
