Blues confirm Zhirkov deal

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The 25-year-old Russia international completed the deal at the Blues' Cobham training ground on Tuesday with his arrival likely to intensify speculation about Ashley Cole's future at the club. Cole has been linked with a possible move to big-spending Real Madrid.

Zhirkov, who joins from CSKA Moscow, is Chelsea's third signing of the summer following deals to sign goalkeeper Ross Turnbull and striker Daniel Sturridge.

Although Chelsea have not revealed the fee, it is understood to be around £18million.

"Any footballer would be happy to sign a contract with Chelsea, and at any time," said Zhirkov.

"I have been received very well here, and have been shown the base at the Cobham training ground - everything is super."

The Russian has already met some of the players and is well aware of the the club's links with his country.

"Of course it is good when some of the players speak Russian, even Petr Cech translated some bits and pieces, and I understand some words in English," said Zhirkov.

"Now I hope to learn English too. I always used to watch English football on the TV and know about Dmitri Kharine and Alexei Smertin at Chelsea."