Source: Daily_Mail
Yury Zhirkov lined up by Zenit St Petersburg for £21m swoop to take Chelsea misfit back to Russia
Zenit St Petersburg are considering a £21million bid to take Chelsea defender Yury Zhirkov back to Russia.[LNB]The 26-year-old endured a torrid first season at Stamford Bridge, struggling with injuries in both knees and making just 10 Premier League starts following an £18.6m move from CSKA Moscow.[LNB]Chelsea agreed to sign Zhirkov before Carlo Ancelotti arrived and the Russia international has struggled to fit into his manager's plans.[LNB]He has mostly been used as Ashley Cole's understudy, despite forging a reputation at CSKA as an attacking left winger.[LNB] In the wars: Zhirkov endured an injury dominated first season at Chelsea[LNB]Runaway Russian Premier League leaders Zenit would give Zhirkov a prominent role as they build a side for the Champions League and are also on the brink of signing Porto captain Bruno Alves for £18.2m.[LNB]Zhirkov refused to comment, saying he was only focussed on being fit for the new season with Chelsea.[LNB]'I can say that I am a Chelsea player and It's a great honour to play for the club,' he said.[LNB]'The knee is not a worry. 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.' Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti: Why Yossi is better than Cole...NPOWER FOOTBALL LEAGUE PODCAST: World Cup hero Rory Fallon on his Plymouth return, plus moreCHELSEA FC
