By Andy James
PUBLISHED: 12:14 EST, 30 January 2013 | UPDATED: 13:44 EST, 30 January 2013
Big-spending Russians Anzhi Makhachkala are set to sign Shakhtar Donetsk forward Willian for 29million.
Willian was close to joining Chelsea last summer and the Londoners have been keeping a close eye on the Brazilian's situation ever since.
Manchester City and Tottenham are also known admirers but Anzhi look to have won the race for his signature.
Big-money move: Willian is set to join Anzhi in a 29m move from Shakhtar
The capture of Willian should soften the blow delivered by the loss of Christopher Samba.
The big defender has travelled to London to seal a 12.5m move to Queens Park Rangers after the Premier League strugglers met the release clause in his contract.
Anzhi boss Guus Hiddink hit out at Samba over the way he left.
The former Chelsea boss said: 'It's a shame to talk about this but he didn't even say goodbye, he didn't explain anything to us.
'Whatever happens to you, you should take into account the people with whom you work.'
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Of to Russia you go, had the chance to play ucl football for Shakhtar but chose Anzhi who have one good player (eto'o) and he's past it anyway. Shaktar have signed the exciting Taison who has potential and have a good chance this season of getting far in ucl and in the future.
- comment typer , London, 30/1/2013 18:38
Another promising player moving to russia to have a boring career with lots of money... if this is the way football is heading i fear for it!
- Tobydawson1 , Guildford, United Kingdom, 30/1/2013 18:31
What it means is the Premiership has no muscle as it thinks it does. The richest Premiership clubs couldn't compete with the Russians. Says it all. RIP EPL
- Hunglikeshire , Beckton London, 30/1/2013 18:23
great move, Hulk also opted for Russia instead of Chelsea and he is doing just well and is well adored by Zenit fans.
- TheIvtcha , Smederevo, 30/1/2013 18:21
chelsea have bought hazard, oscar, moses and marin in his position spurs now have holtby, bale and lennon fighting for similar positions that willian plays in. while willian is a great player, the price tag was never going to fall even with chelsea and certainly not with spurs.
- rahulcfc26 , toronto ontario, 30/1/2013 18:14
chelsea have bought hazard, oscar, moses and marin in his position spurs now have holtby, bale and lennon fighting for similar positions that willian plays in. while willian is a great player, the price tag was never going to fall even with chelsea and certainly not with spurs.
- rahulcfc26 , toronto ontario, 30/1/2013 18:14
How can a small club such as Anzhi Makhachkala afford to buy Willian for 29million. So much for FIFA`s financial fair play criteria ...
- Barry , Auckland, 30/1/2013 18:08
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Thought his dream was to play in the EPL but of course his greed says something else..
- Drogba , London, 30/1/2013 18:42
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