Chelsea contest Spurs in race for £5m Russian - reports

Chelsea are considering an approach for Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder - and Tottenham target - Alan Gatagov, it has been claimed.

According to The People, the Blues are mulling over a formal offer for the £5 million-rated 20-year-old, who is a star of Russia's under-21 side.

However, it would appear that Chelsea will have to contest Spurs if they hope to sign Gatagov, with the latter having been keeping tabs on the youngster.

It was claimed last week that Harry Redknapp had sent Spurs representatives to compile a report on Gatagov, as Lokomotiv played Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly.




 

The Spurs boss specifically requested passes for some colleagues, with Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell claiming Redknapp had his eye on 'a couple of hot prospects in the Lokomotiv ranks'.

Spurs, though, will have to compete with the significant financial clout of Chelsea if they have a genuine hope of signing Gatagov, with Roman Abramovich said to be ready to sanction a move.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are edging closer to their first signing of the summer after Andre Villas-Boas confirmed on Monday that Genk goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was having a medical with the club.