Zenit ready to make move on Manchester United target

Talk Sport are today reporting that Zenit St Petersburg are weighing up a move Axel Witsel, who is currently at Benfica.

Witsel has been a target for Manchester United for a while now, but they did not mange to sign him this summer despite Sir Alex Ferguson being a big admirer of him.

However, the Russian Champions are set to take advantage of the fact that the English Premier League club are not able to sign the Belgium international as the transfer window has closed.

Russia’s window is still open, meaning Zenit could look to bring in a number of new players and they are now reportedly ready to make a £40m bid, which the Portuguese club are likely to accept.

Witsel excelled for Standard Liege in the early parts of his career and moved to Benfica in 2011. After a fantastic season for them, he is now one of Europe’s highest-rated young players.

At 23-years-old, the Belgian will know what a big decision in his career this is and he may see that Zenit are targeting a number of players and could have a very strong squad this season.

It is thought a deal could go through this week.