Luković and Denisov commit to Zenit

FC Zenit St. Petersburg have brought in Serbian international defender Aleksandar Luković from Udinese Calcio while confirming an extended contract with key midfielder Igor Denisov.

Luković, described by the Russian Premier League leaders as "one of Serbia's best players at the FIFA World Cup", has signed a four-year deal at Zenit after moving for an undisclosed fee. Having started his professional career at FK Crvena Zvezda, the 27-year-old joined Udinese in 2006, spending part of his first Italian season on loan at Ascoli Calcio 1898. The 22-cap international ended up making 97 league appearances in Udine.

Zenit have also rubber-stamped a new five-year contract with their vice-captain, Russia midfielder Denisov. Schooled at the local Smena academy, the 26-year-old has spent all his playing days with Zenit, scoring 22 goals in 181 league outings. Capped 12 times by Russia, he has been ever-present this term for Luciano Spalletti's men who are seven points clear at the top of the table after 14 matches.

A busy day was completed when the St Petersburg club also announced a contract extension for 19-year-old striker Maksim Kanunnikov, who has committed until 2013. Zenit's UEFA Champions League campaign began this week with a 0-0 third qualifying round first-leg draw at FC Unirea Urziceni. The tie concludes at the Petrovsky stadium next Wednesday.