Aleinikov takes charge of ZIL

Unlikely candidate
Aleinikov will sign a contract with the Moscow club next weekend, Torpedo chairman Yuri Belous said after talks with the ex-USSR international. The 41-year-old will replace Vadim Nikonov, who was sacked following the club's takeover by the Russian industry giants Norilsky Nikel. Aleinikov was an unexpected candidate for the job, given the speculation linking more high-profile coaches with the role.

Belarussian link
Aleinikov will be the third Belarussian to lead a Russian team, after Eduard Malafeev and Anatoly Baidachny who each coached several Premier-Liga sides. Aleinikov played for FC Dinamo Minsk, Juventus, US Lecce, and Gamba Osaka in Japan. He won the Soviet title with Dinamo in 1982 and the UEFA Cup with Juventus in 1990.