Stoke City are ready to battle Borussia Dortmund for the signature of FC Krasnodar striker Fedor Smolov, according to the Stoke Sentinel.
Smolov, 26, has previously been linked with a move to Everton and his goalscoring performances for the Russian club are now capturing the attention of more clubs, with Stoke and Dortmund eyeing the striker.
The Potters would likely be second in the race to sign Smolov should Dortmund step up their interest but the Russia international is already aware of the interest from Mark Hughes’ side.
“It seems there are clubs interested in Europe; in England, Stoke City, and Germany,” Smolov is quoted as telling Match TV, via the Stoke Sentinel. “From the latter there is even an offer to move this winter. I need to think.
“There is an offer [to move in January from a German team] that I do not want to name. That’s where I’m ready to go, even this winter.”
Smolov has scored 10 goals in 12 appearances for Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League to power them to fifth in the league, at least two more than any other player. He has even scored two goals in three Europa League appearances as well.
For more stats on Fedor Smolov, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
