Russian flattered by Chelsea

But Bilyaletdinov says he will wait for 'dream' move

By Slava Zaitsev   Last updated: 21st November 2007

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov

Bilyaletdinov: Set to wait

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Russian star Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has admitted he would love to play for Chelsea but concedes he would not make the starting XI.

The talented midfield playmaker impressed in both games against England in the recent Euro 2008 qualifiers and was on the scoresheet at the weekend in the ill-fated defeat to Israel.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has always been keen on recruiting from his homeland, but during his four-year stay the club have signed just one Russian in the shape of Alexei Smertin.

Now The Blues are tracking Lokomotiv Moscow ace Bilyaletdinov, along with team-mate Branislav Ivanovic.

Bilyaletdinov admits he is pleased to here about Chelsea's interest.

Interest

Chelsea coach Avram Grant is understood to have attended Lokomotiv's clash with Tom a couple of weeks ago - a decision which Bilyaletdinov found curious.

"I heard that Grant visited our game against Tom to watch me and Ivanovic," Bilyaletdinov said in his recent blog for Russian daily Sport.

"I must say that I was surprised with this choice as our derby with Spartak would have been much more interesting."

Bilyaletdinov admits he would love to play for a club like Chelsea.

"It is clear that each football player dreams of playing for a club like Chelsea," he continued.

"But I don't think that we have such players in Russia that could go to London and take a first-team place immediately.

"I think that if Chelsea did buy me now, I would have to go to the store and buy many blue trousers to sit on the bench with!"

Not ready

The 22-year-old seemingly ruled out a move until the summer at least, although even then he seems to believe he is not yet ready to leave Lokomotiv.

"It is very important to go to a team in pre-season so you can prepare with all the team," he added.

"Also I am not sure that I've made big progress this season - I feel that as it stands it would be too early for me to move."