CSKA starlet keen on Blues

Dzagoev prefers Chelsea over Real Madrid

By James Appell   Last updated: 27th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

CSKA starlet keen on Blues

Dzagoev: Chelsea before Real

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Reports from Spain over the weekend have linked Real Madrid to CSKA Moscow youngster Alan Dzagoev, but it appears Chelsea is the player's preferred future destination.

The 18-year-old came to the attention of the Madrid club after his man-of-the- match performance in CSKA's 3-0 Uefa Cup win over Deportivo La Coruna last week.

Dzagoev scored two sensational goals in the opening ten minutes of the game and, according to Spanish newspaper Marca, Madrid's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic has identified the Russian attacking midfielder as a transfer target.

But interviewed in Sport Express, Dzagoev poured cold water on talk of a transfer to the Spanish capital.

"I'm sure it isn't serious," he said of the rumours. "In any case, I expect to remain at CSKA for a bit longer."

Chelsea preference

But Dzagoev, who made his debut for Guus Hiddink's Russia last month, admitted that should he move abroad, he would prefer a transfer to Chelsea.

"Basically I like Chelsea more. I have supported the team for four years already," he stated.

Asked why, Dzagoev replied: "The squad rotation, for example. There are about 22 players in the squad, but each is as important as the other and they all play regularly."

For the time being, however, Dzagoev restated his intent to remain in Russia.

"There are many examples to be seen of players who have gone abroad at a young age and then quickly returned. I don't think it's worth leaving Russia early,"