Lokomotiv make it six with Spahić

FC Lokomotiv Moskva have continued to strengthen their squad for the resumption of the UEFA Cup and the 2006 Russian season by signing Emir Spahić from FC Torpedo Moskva.

'Top-class athlete'
Having already recruited five players since the end of the season in November, Lokomotiv made it six today by tempting the 25-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovnian international across the capital for an undisclosed fee. "We decided to help Lokomotiv as they will be representing Russia in the UEFA Cup," joked Torpedo chairman Vladimir Aleshin. "We are building a new team with young players, and even though Spahić is a top-class athlete, we did not want to keep someone who wanted to play for another club."

Sevilla next
Spahić, who has signed a three-year contract, is likely to be registered for the UEFA Cup along with Mali forward Draman Traoré and Sloavakia defender Marian Had, with fellow signings Sergei Kuznetsov, 19 and goalkeeper Sergei Ryzhikov missing out. Brazilian midfielder Celsinho will only arrive in the summer when he turns 18. Lokomotiv will play Sevilla FC in the Round of 32 round next month.