CSKA Moscow plotting move for Real Madrid's Denis Cheryshev

AS cites a story by Izvestia that says the 24-year-old is highly regarded in his native country and wanted by CSKA.

CSKA will therefore make ‘every effort’ to convince Madrid to let Cheryshev go in January and the player might be open to the switch.

Cheryshev is understood to want to nail down his place in the Russia side for Euro 2016 but may struggle to do so if he isn’t playing regularly.

His minutes will be limited at Madrid so CSKA could be a tempting option, while Sevilla, Valencia and a number of Premier League clubs also wanted Cheryshev over the summer.

Cheryshev was however convinced to stay, having been loaned to Villarreal last year, after being told he was in Rafa Benitez’s Madrid plans.

Cheryshev proved over the last couple of years with both Villarreal and Real Madrid B that he is a potential asset to many top-flight clubs across Europe. Of course, Real Madrid are in a different category and have failed to properly utilise countless players over the years who have gone on to shine at a slightly less gargantuan club.

Cheryshev has every right to seek regular football now Russia are a lock for Euro 2016. And if Benitez really did tell him he would be involved this season only to have a change of heart, it's not going to convince the player to hope he might have a Bernabeu opportunity at the third attempt.