Crvena Zvezda plump for Popov

Failed negotiations
The 20-year-old, who can play either in the centre or left side of defence, spent the last six months at AEK Athens FC, but was allowed to leave for free after contract negotiations failed.

Scoring début
Popov scored on his international début two weeks ago in Macedonia's 4-2 away defeat of Estonia. Popov, who previously played for FK Belasica in the Prva Fudbalska Liga, is the first player to join the club since coach Ljupko Petrovic left last month after winning the championship.

Macedonian greats
The youngster is delighted to be following in the footsteps of so many Macedonian greats at Crvena Zvezda. Players like Petrovic's replacement as coach, Dragi Kanatlarovski, Kiril Dojcinovski, Darko Pancev, Mitko Stojkovski and the Milko brothers all had spells at the club.

'One wish'
"Every boy from Macedonia has just one wish - to play for Crvena Zvezda," the defender said. "I now need to prepare myself to play at the highest level in time for the qualification matches for next season's UEFA Champions League. Trophies will be our aim and I believe that Crvena Zvezda can go from strength to strangth."