Everton and Fiorentina battle for Honda

Russian daily Izvestia is reporting that Everton and Fiorentina are keen on CSKA Moscow playmaker Keisuke Honda.

The Japanese midfielder is believed to be looking for a new challenge and he was on the verge of joining Lazio on two occasions last year.

CSKA Moscow chiefs seem ready to cash in on their star player in the summer transfer window, which is likely to spark a real bidding war for his services.

According to Izvestia, Everton and Fiorentina are leading the race at the moment, but Manchester City, Liverpool and Inter are also believed to be interested.

With his contract due to expire in December 2013, Honda will be available at a cut-back price in the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old, who arrived at CSKA Moscow from VVV Venlo, has made a total of 72 Russian Premier League appearances for the club, and has scored 19 goals in the process.