Premier League sides on red alert as Denisov dumped from Zenit squad

Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal could be set to fight it out for Russia captain Igor Denisov after he was slung into Zenit St Petersburg's youth team.

The midfielder had criticised his club after the signings of Hulk and Axel Witsel for a combined fee of £72m earlier this month, claiming their salaries - said to be three times their team-mates - were not justified.

And Zenit have reacted by ordering him to play for their youth team, alongside team-mate Alexander Kerzhakov, who seconded the protest.

Denisov told Russian newspaper Sport-Express: "I could understand it if we signed Messi or Iniesta, who are worth any price. Yes, we bought good players who clearly will help Zenit. But they are so much better than others to earn a salary three times better?"

And the club have reacted angrily, with the English giants thought to be keen on exploring the situation in January if Denisov has not repaired his relationship with the club.