Friday, December 10, 2010

Lokomotiv looking to Belarussian quintet

Apparently, our new head coach Yury Krasnozhan has chosen the Belarussian National Team to look out for reinforcements. This is because according to reports emanating from Russia, Lokomotiv may approach 5 players who this year appeared for the Belarussian national team. The players in question are Anton Amelchenko of Rostov, Sergey Omelyanchuk of Terek, Dmitry Molosh of recently relegated Sibir Novosibirsk and forwards Sergey Kornilenko and Vitaly Kutuzov, who currently are on the books of Zenit St. Petersburg and AS Bari Calcio respectively. Recall that one of them, that is Sergey Omelyanchuk, already pulled off the shirt of Lokomotiv Moscow back in 2005.

Although the arrival of Amelchenko may fuel rumours that Guilherme may leave Lokomotiv, the real reason for Amelchenko's potential arrival is to replace the outgoing Marek Cech and challenge Guilherme for the no. 1 position. The Belarussian keeper is expected to command a fee of around 0.5 million euros. On the other hand, with regards to Kornilenko, the striker have long been linked with Lokomotiv and so it wasn't surprising at all to see his name linked with Lokomotiv once again. Actually, I believe that coming next year Kornilenko will be wearing the red-green shirt.

In addition to Cech, another player who is almost certain of leaving Lokomotiv is long-time serving Malkhaz Asatiani. According to the media, the Georgian international wasn't offered a contract by the Lokomotiv management and with the contract expiring, Asatiani is expected to move on and leave Lokomotiv in the same way as Cech, that is as a free agent. Moreover, another potential departures are Rodolfo, Wagner and much-maligned midfielder Dmitry Torbinsky. While the latter was linked with Spanish outfit Real Zaragoza, the Brazlian duo were linked with a move back home. This is because the Brazlian media reported that recently crowned champions Fluminense and their rivals Flamengo made Rodolfo and Wagner their respective top targets. Although no transfer was made official yet, I expect that two or even three players aforementioned may really leave the Russian capital in the upcoming weeks.

Meanwhile Zaur Khapov, who have been at Lokomotiv since 2000, will bring his stay at the red-green part of Moscow to an end. It was rumoured that although Yury Krasnozhan wanted the exprienced coach to be part of his coaching regime, the former Spartak Nalchik and Alania Vladikavkaz rejected a new contract and opted to leave Lokomotiv. Ironically Yury Krasnozhan's former side Spartak Nalchik, which for the chronicle is now being led by former Lokomotiv Moscow assitant manager Vladimir Estrekhov, is his most likely destination.

Last but not least, the media also reported that Roman Shishkin finally agreed an extension with Lokomotiv. Although the contract wasn't yet signed due to the fact that the former Spartak Moscow is currently on holiday, everything was mutually agreed and thus the only remaining thing is Shishkin's signature. In addition, Vladislav Ignatiev, who passed the last six months at Kuban Krasnodar, is expected to come back to Moscow and try his luck once again.

Let's wait and see if any the aforementioned rumours materialise!!

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