Zhirkov flies in for medical

05 July 2009 16:42
Yuri Zhirkov has flown to London to undergo a medical with Chelsea according to reports in his native Russia. The CSKA Moscow winger has been rumoured to be close to joining the Blues all summer but it now appears likely that he will be unveiled as manager Carlo Ancelotti's latest signing next week. The 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the past, is thought to be the subject of an £18million fee and will negotiate personnel terms once his medical is complete. The Russian daily newspaper Sport Express revealed that Zhirkov had left his homeland to board a plane destined for London earlier on Sunday. As of yet there has been no confirmation from either club but Sport Express claim that CSKA president Eugene Giner confirmed that the Russian international was close to joining the Blues. Zhirkov shot to prominence at Euro 2008 where his standout performances alongside team-mate Andrey Arshavin helped guide Russia to the last four.

Source: SKY_Sports