Cesnauskis checks in at Lokomotiv

Four-year deal
The 22-year-old has left FC Dinamo Moskva after an impressive 2003 season to sign a four-year contract with city rivals Lokomotiv. Cesnauskis scored four goals in the Premier-Liga and was regarded as one of Dinamo's brightest talents.

Link with Dynamo
Cesnauskis, who moved to Russia at the age of 19 from FK Ekranas in his homeland, had been linked with a switch to FC Dynamo Kyiv, after the Ukrainian club signed his 19-year-old brother Edgaras earlier this year. However, he decided to join the UEFA Champions League contenders, who are preparing for a first knockout round tie against AS Monaco FC after qualifying from the group stage.

Venue worry
Lokomotiv have revealed they may have to play the first leg against Monaco on 24 February at either Novorossiysk or Krasnodar if weather conditions in the Russian capital are poor, subject to approval. The return leg will follow on 10 March.