CSKA Moscow bidding for Japan´s Honda: reports

CSKA Moscow has emerged as a strong contender to acquire Japanese midfielder Keisuke Honda of VVV Venlo, reportedly outbidding Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven, media reports say.

The Russian outfit has set aside an estimated six million euros (8.6 million dollars) as the transfer fee for the 23-year-old, the Sports Nippon newspaper said.

Dutch giants PSV and Ajax are still seen as among the most likely buyers of the Japanese star, who has previously suggested Liverpool was interested in him, but the newspaper said CSKA’s offer was more attractive than PSV’s.

Honda recently told reporters that he has a new team in mind, after reviewing several offers.

“I have to make my decision within the next few days,” the Nikkan Sports quoted him as saying after a practice session on Thursday. “It’s possible that a surprise for everyone will happen.”

“I want to play at a team that truly wants and needs me. There is a team in which I see those qualities. It is only a matter of clearing up the details and conditions,” he said.

Known for his physical toughness and free-kick skills, Honda had scored 24 goals in 67 games for Venlo since joining the club in January last year after four seasons with J-League Nagoya Grampus.

He has also scored three goals in 10 games for Japan since making his international debut in June 2008 during World Cup qualifying.