Monaco are reportedly after CSKA Moscow and Russian international goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, who would be a seperate choice to Victor Valdes, who has looked set to join the oil rich side.
The wealthy Ligue 1 side, based in the tax free haven principality of southern France, have long been after the services of Barcelona’s goalkeeper Valdes, who will become a free agent next year once his contract runs out at the Nou Camp.
It was thought that Ranieri’s side would have tied up a deal to sign the experienced shot stopper on a free transfer now, but Valdes is still considering his options, with Manchester City interested in the Spanish stalwart.
Russian daily Newspaper Izvestia are reporting that Akinfeev is also a preffered target for Monaco, with the 27 year old looking to move to a major European move to a major European League, despite being a real fan favourite in gis homeland of Russia.
Similar to Valdes, Akinfeev’s contract at CSKA Moscow expires in the summer, just before the World Cup Final’s, and no written or verbal contract offer has been offered to the 27 year old keeper, who may wish to move to the warmer climbs of southern Europe, and leave the cold harsh winter’s of Siberian Russia.
Monaco looks like the most likely destination for Akinfeev, who are challenging for the Ligue 1 title this season, with a star studded squad including the likes of Falcao, James Rodriquez, Jeremey Toulalan and Eric Abidal.
Italian Serie A sides Juventus and AC Milan are also interested in the Russian captain, with Juventus looking for Gianluigi Buffon’s long term replacement.
Akinfeev has made 289 appearences for the Moscow giants, winning the Russian player of the year, the golden glove, and helping his side win the domestic Russian Premier League title.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
