Ola John’s move to Russia falls through

Portuguese daily newspaper Record has suggested that Benfica forward Ola John has seen a proposed move to Kuban Krasnodar fall through.

The Russian Premier League side managed to reach an agreement with the Eagles, but they eventually failed to persuade the player to join their ranks.

And while Kuban Krasnodar sporting director Eugene Ants did not disclose the name of the player concerned, Record has learned that Benfica starlet Ola John was the subject of a late bid.

“Unfortunately, we have realised today that the business will not move forward,” Ants was quoted as saying by the Record.

“I can only say it was a player of the Dutch national team, with a great projection in Portugal.”

Ola John was heavily linked with a winter move away from Estadio da Luz, having seen little playing time in the first part of the season, although he has recently played himself back into the first team plans of coach Jorge Jesus.

The 22-year-old joined Benfica from Twente two and a half years ago and has since made a total of 41 Primeira Liga appearances for the Eagles, scoring three goals in the process.