Spartak Moscow are set to launch a January raid on Chelsea this winter with a bid for £11 million winger Mohamed Salah.
Salah burst onto the European scene with a string of impressive displays for Swiss side Basel in 2012, prompting Blues boss Jose Mourinho to shell out for his services.
However, due to Chelsea’s abundance of choice in the attacking areas, the Egyptian has struggled to impose himself on the Premier League, and has also been linked with loan moves to Sunderland to get him some experience in the divison.
But it seems his former boss at Basel, Murat Yakin, has his heart set on a reunion with the 22 year-old winger and claims his current side Spartak Moscow can afford to bring him to Russia.
“I want to sign both Salah and Fabian Frei (still at Basel). I know both players well,” he said.
“I know the economic situation in Russia is not the best, but the club can afford both players’ wages.
“The club president promised a surprise in the upcoming transfer market. I spoke with him about both Salah and Frei and I hope it will happen, that’d be my Christmas present.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to get Salah in the team, even if I have to beg for it.”
By Matt Derrig
