Rumour: Manchester United target being tracked by Russian giants

Russian Premier League side Zenit St. Petersburg are preparing to jump ahead of Manchester United and Southampton in the race to sign Davide Astori, Cagliari’s star defender.

David Moyes was spotted at Cagliari’s 4-1 defeat to Juventus earlier this month on an apparent scouting trip for Astori who he believes could cure their defensive problems.

Both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand look like their time is up at United as Moyes seeks defensive reinforcements to push for a fourth-place finish.

However, Luciano Spalletti, the Zenit manager, is desperate to bring in a new central defender before the transfer window shuts and he has now added Astori to his list.

Southampton, meanwhile, have a long-standing interest in the defender but certainly aren’t favourites ahead of Zenit or Man Utd in trying to sign the Italian.

Zenit are preparing a bid for Astori, according to reports in Russia.

Astori joined Cagliari in 2008 from Milan and has featured 140 times in Serie A, scoring three times.

Russian Premier League side Zenit St. Petersburg are preparing to jump ahead of Manchester United and Southampton in the race to sign Davide Astori, Cagliari’s star defender.

David Moyes was spotted at Cagliari’s 4-1 defeat to Juventus earlier this month on an apparent scouting trip for Astori who he believes could cure their defensive problems.

Both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand look like their time is up at United as Moyes seeks defensive reinforcements to push for a fourth-place finish.

However, Luciano Spalletti, the Zenit manager, is desperate to bring in a new central defender before the transfer window shuts and he has now added Astori to his list.

Southampton, meanwhile, have a long-standing interest in the defender but certainly aren’t favourites ahead of Zenit or Man Utd in trying to sign the Italian.

Zenit are preparing a bid for Astori, according to reports in Russia.

Astori joined Cagliari in 2008 from Milan and has featured 140 times in Serie A, scoring three times.