Spartak continue spending spree

FC Spartak Moskva have made a last-minute addition to their squad ahead of the start of the Russian Premier League season on Saturday, signing Oleg Pestriakov on loan from FC Shakhtar Dontesk.

Busy week
The 28-year-old midfield player has joined from the Ukrainian Premier League leaders until July when Spartak will have an option to make the transfer permanent. His arrival continues a busy week for coach Oleg Romantsev, who has now brought in four players in the space of 48 hours. Pestriakov follows Moroccan goalkeeper Abdelillah Bagui and the Brazilians Andre Souza and Luizao into the club.

Second spell
The spell will be Pestriakov's second with Spartak, whom he previously joined from FC Rostselmash Rostov-Na-Donu in December 1999. First time round, his stay was brief, however, as a financial dispute led to the player joining Shakhtar within a matter of weeks.

Much-travelled player
Pestriakov began his career with FC Borisen Borispol and played subsequently for FC Javor Krasnopolye, FC CSKA Kyiv, PFC CSKA Moskva and Rostselmash. He has spent the last four seasons with Shakhtar, but suffered a serious injury blow in July 2001 when he broke his leg.

Championship challenge
Spartak finished third in the table last season behind FC Lokomotiv Moskva and CSKA, and Oleg Romantsev's side will be confident of mounting a sustained title challenge this season. Spartak begin with an away game at FC Torpedo-ZIL Moskva.