BLUES IN ZHIRKOV RIDDLE.

Byline: DARREN LEWIS 

CHELSEA target Yury Zhirkov was at the centre of a bizarre row last night.

The Russian left winger's representatives claimed the FA Cup finalists have signed him in a secret deal for around pounds 19million on a four-year contract.

But both Chelsea and the player's club, CSKA Moscow, last night insisted the claim was untrue.

CSKA chief spokesman Sergei Aksyonov said: "We officially deny this story. Yury Zhirkov has not signed any deals with Chelsea.

"I have no further comment on this. We do not comment on wild rumours, we respond to facts. And there is nothing factual there."

However, it is a fact that 25-year-old Zhirkov is seen as a highly talented left winger with one goal in six starts so far this season.

He is strongly admired by outgoing Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, also the coach of the Russian national side.

Hiddink said recently: "Zhirkov plays a very modern game. He's capable of covering all the left side of the pitch alone.

"A player can only do this if he has brilliant technical skills and superb physical condition. He's a top-class footballer."

CSKA's Brazilian manager Zico also believes that the player has outgrown the Russian premier league, and his recent comments have hinted at a move to Chelsea.

He said: "Zhirkov is a player of such high level that in my opinion he would show all his real potential only playing in such a strong competition as the English Premier League.

"He would easily fit into Chelsea's first-choice team. I don't like to lose him but I won't stop his move to London."

CAPTION(S):

MYSTERY Yury Zhirkov is involved in a tug-of-war