Lokomotiv Moscow have been identified as the mystery club interested in taking Chelsea midfielder Alexei Smertin back to his homeland.

In an interview with Soviet Sport, Lokomotiv president Valeri Filatov admitted that they were in contact with Smertin and his agent about a possible move for the 30 year old but that they were only prepared to enter a deal under certain terms.

Smertin had hinted at a Russian club’s interest in him earlier this week, “I’ve received an offer from a Russian club and now my agent is considering that,” he said. “But I can’t say anything definitely.”

Lokomotiv Moscow have been active in the British market this week as their transfer window prepares to shut with Hibernian striker Garry O’Connor undergoing a two-day medical in Germany, ahead of a possible ?1.6million move to Lokomotiv.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 3rd, 2006 at 11:40 pm and is filed under Chelsea. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. Both comments and pings are currently closed.