Zenit snap up Shatov from Anji

FC Zenit have strengthened their squad ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-offs with the signing of Russian international attacking midfielder Oleg Shatov from FC Anji Makhachkala.

Shatov follows Yuri Zhirkov, Igor Denisov and Aleksandr Kokorin, who have joined FC Dinamo Moskva, in completing a move away from the Dagestan club although no details of his contract length or transfer fee have been revealed. The 23-year-old joins defender Igor Smolnikov in signing for Zenit ahead of their play-off tie against Portugal's FC Paços de Ferreira which begins at the Estádio do Dragão on Tuesday.

"Everything turned out unexpectedly, but this is the football life," said Shatov. "I got a nice offer after Anji changed their policy. Of course, I want to represent a team with ambitious aims." The Nizhni Tagil-born player kicked off his career at futsal side MFK Sinara Ekaterinburg before signing for FC Ural Ekaterinburg and moving to Anji on a four-year deal last February.

Shatov helped Anji reach the UEFA Europa League round of 16, the Russian Cup final and third-placed finish in the league last season as well as winning his first international cap against Iceland in February.