Zenit St Petersburg keen on Chelsea’s Yuri Zhirkov

Zhirkov in action for Chelsea against AC Milan

Zenit St Petersburg are set to offer Chelsea’s Yuri Zhirkov a path back to Russia by offering £21million.Zhirkov joined the Blues last summer from CSKA Moscow for just under £19million but endured a torrid run with injuries and managed just 10 league appearances. Zhirkov only make 27 appearances for Chelsea and never score in all competition except for friendly against AC Milan in last season tour.

The 26-year old has not been a favourite of Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti because of first choice England left back,Ashley Cole indicating a move may be on the cards but in the players view, he will remain at Stamford Bridge.“I can say that I am a Chelsea player and it’s a great honour to play for the club,” he said.“The competition in our club for places is great. But I really want to play and will do everything I can to break into the team.”