Zenit keen on Merkel

Russian newspaper Izvestia has learned that Zenit are considering a January bid for Udinese midfielder Alexander Merkel.

Luciano Spalletti knows the player well from Italian Serie A and he believes the German would be a good addition to the squad at Stadion Petrovskij.

The Italian coach is hoping to add some fresh blood to his ageing midfield and is convinced Merkel can make the grade in Russian Premier League.

Alexander Merkel had been showing a great deal of promise while at San Siro, having made 6 Serie A starts during the 2010/2011 season with AC Milan.

However, he has since struggled for playing time at Genoa and Udinese, and hasn’t even made a single league appearance for the Zebrette this term.

With the 21-year-old clearly not in Francesco Guidolin’s first team plans, there is every chance he will be allowed to continue his career elsewhere, with St Petersburg the most likely destination.