Blues confirm Zhirkov deal

Chelsea have confirmed the signature of left-back Yuri Zhirkov on a three-year deal.

The 25-year-old Russia international completed the deal at the Blues' Cobham training ground on Tuesday with his arrival likely to intensify speculation about Ashley Cole's future at the club. Cole has been linked with a possible move to big-spending Real Madrid.

Zhirkov, who joins from CSKA Moscow, is Chelsea's third signing of the summer following deals to sign goalkeeper Ross Turnbull and striker Daniel Sturridge.

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