Krylya Sovetov land Chichkin

FC Krylya Sovetov Samara have signed SC Rotor Volgograd goalkeeper Andrei Chichkin as they begin their preparations for the 2003 Russian Premier League on the day the 2002 campaign ended.

Second sale
The highly-rated Chichkin, with Rotor since 1996, is the second player from the club to be sold in recent weeks after the departure of Russian Under-21 international striker Roman Pavlyuchenko to FC Spartak Moskva last month.

Strong competition
Krylya Sovetov beat off competition from Spartak, FC Lokomotiv Moskva, FC Dinamo Moskva, and FC Shakhtar Donetsk to sign Chichkin, a product of the Krasnodar football academy.

Russian international
He began his career playing for FC Kolos Krasnodar in the first division before his switch to Rotor, where he took over from the experienced Platon Zakharchuk in goal and also earned a call to Russian U-21 side. Chichkin won one full cap in November 1998 against Brazil.

Pair sign contracts
Meanwhile, Lithuanian striker Robertas Poskus and Nigerian defender Patrick Ovie, who both impressed in helping Krylya Sovetov to fifth place this season, have signed new five-year contracts with the club.

Western interest
However, it is reported that several western clubs are interested in not only Poskus and Ovie, but also young Krylya Sovetov midfield players Andrei Kariaka and Anton Bober.