Russian star alerts Premier League clubs

Premier League clubs are ready to swoop for Russian star Igor Denisov after the midfielder was dropped by Zenit St Petersburg, according to talkSPORT.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are thought to be interested, and prepared for a long fight to secure the Russian captain's signature.

Denisov was dumped into Zenit's reserve team after he criticised the signings of Hulk and Axel Witsel. The pair were purchased from the Portuguese Liga for a combined £72m in the summer, and their salaries are reportedly three times their teammates.

Denisov told Russian newspaper Sport-Express: "I could understand it if we signed Messi or Iniesta, who are worth any price. Yes, we bought good players who clearly will help Zenit. But they are so much better than others to earn a salary three times better?"

The Russian captain's comments landed him in hot water with his club, and Zenit ordered Denisov, along with teammate Alexander Kerzhakov who echoed the complaints, to train with the youth and reserve teams.

Denisov could be an option for Premier League clubs in January, if the midfielder fails to patch up his differences with Zenit.

A tough-tackling defensive midfielder, the 28-year-old has 32 Russia caps and has spent his whole career with Zenit so far.