TheSportsCampus

Chelsea could face opposition from Russian club Zenit St-Petersburg in their bid to prise away Everton star Marouane Fellaini in January. The European Champions have been keen on signing the Belgian since this summer and their intentions have beefed up further given the purple patch Fellaini has hit this season for the People’s club.

Fellaini has scored an impressive 8 goals in 13 games so far for Everton in the Premier League this season and has attracted attention from Russian club Zenit too.

Zenit are considering some high quality signings this winter and Fellaini is said to be on that list. A spokesperson for the Russian club shared with the Liverpool Echo, “The management team expect to strengthen the midfield during the winter transfer window. The signings will be players of very high quality. For example, the Belgium international Marouane Fellaini is on the list – he has proved himself in his games for Everton."

Competition for Fellaini's signature could mean that Chelsea will need to up their offer price significantly in January. It is believed that Chelsea are willing to offer in the region of £18 million for the versatile midfielder but It seems like they will need to bid a bit much more than that to secure his signing. Chelsea may also have to offer a hefty wage to lure the Belgian as Zenit are also a club known to pay big to their players.

Fellaini meanwhile has expressed his desire to play for a Premier League club which competes for the title, which could make the Blues his favoured destination as things stand.