West Ham are looking to sign Fedor Smolov this month, but David Moyes failed with his last Russian recruit.
Fedor Smolov of Russia (L) reacts during Russia and Spain
West Ham United have been linked with a move for Krasnodar and Russia superstar Fedor Smolov before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Sky Sports are reporting West Ham want the player, initially on loan, with his club instead wanting a £15 million deal for the player.
He has been in fine form for his club and country and is being tipped to shine at the World Cup on home soil in the summer.
Sergei Sukharev (L) of FC Tosno and Fedor Smolov of FC Krasnodar
David Moyes would, on paper, be making a shrewd signing if he managed to complete the deal that saw Smolov at the London Stadium.
However, West Ham fans will hope it is proves a more successful signing than Moyes’ last Russian recruit.
In August 2009 Everton completed a deal to sign Russian international Diniyar Bilyaletidinov from Lokomotiv Moscow. The deal, reported by the Telegraph to be in the region of £9 million, was the third most expensive in the club’s history at the time and he was tipped for big things at Goodison Park.
However, despite the odd flash of brilliance such as his goal of the season candidate v Manchester United, the midfielder never managed to cement a place in the Everton team.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov of Everton in action
After two-and-half years on Merseyside he was sold to Spartak Moscow. He criticised Moyes and Everton upon his exit, telling Sky Sports of his difficulty playing under a creatively-stifled rule and struggling to adapt to English football.
If West Ham manage to bring in the even more talented Smolov, they must ensure he does not suffer the same struggles as Moyes’ last foray into the Russian market.
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