Dinamo sign three Russian internationals

FC Dinamo Moskva signalled their intent with the signing of Russian internationals Yuri Zhirkov, Igor Denisov and Aleksandr Kokorin from FC Anji Makhachkala in a reported €45m deal.

Kokorin, 22, only joined Anji a month ago for a reported €19m fee and will return to the club where he spent the previous five seasons without having made a league appearance for the UEFA Europa League group stage entrants. Denisov enjoyed 11 seasons at FC Zenit St Petersburg before moving to the Dagestan outfit at the beginning of this term, while 29-year-old Zhirkov brings his two-season stay at Anji to an end.

"I am happy to have such players at my disposal," said Dinamo's Dan Petrescu. "Any coach would be glad to welcome the Russian captain, the country's best striker and the best left winger into his team. I want to thank the Dinamo board.

"I hope Zhirkov and Denisov can adapt as soon as possible to our group. As for Kokorin, it feels like he never left. I wish them luck. I believe we will produce some very good results." Dinamo sporting director Guram Adzhoev added: "We signed long-term deals with the three newcomers. They are ambitious lads that will not leave us for at least for three years."

With over 100 Russia caps between them, the trio will bring some added experience to a Dinamo side who will be hoping to improve on their seventh-place finish in the Russia Premier League last term. Holding midfielder Denisov won three league titles and a UEFA Cup crown as well as being named Russian player of the year during his time at Zenit, while Kokorin scored ten league goals last term. Zhirkov, currently sidelined through injury, spent six seasons at PFC CSKA Moskva between 2004 and 2009 before a two-year spell at Chelsea FC preceded his return to Russia with Anji.

The Moscow club lie sixth in the top flight with seven points from their opening four games and have been the most active Russian club in transfer market this summer. They have already signed striker Vladimir Dyadyun, midfielders Alan Kasaev and George Florescu and defender Douglas, while forwards Fedor Smolov and Andriy Voronin have returned from loan spells.

Meanwhile, Anji have also allowed Mbark Boussoufa to join FC Lokomotiv Moskva in a deal worth around €15m. The Morocco winger, formerly of KAA Gent and RSC Anderlect, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal.