According to reports from England, Cardiff city tried to sign Russian star Artem Dzyuba on transfer deadline day. The Blue Birds had signed Emiliano Sala from Rennes for a record fee of £15 million but lost the Argentine after his plane went missing last week.

It is believed that Cardiff had wanted to bring in a late replacement before the transfer deadline on the 31st of January. Dzyuba was the subject of a €25 million transfer bid which was rejected by Zenit St Petersburg.  Cardiff had sent an agent to negotiate a transfer for the forward and talks had reached an advanced stage before Zenit pulled the plug on the deal.

The 30-year-old is understood to have been interested in the move and had agreed to personal terms with the English side. However,Zenit could not find a replacement in time and refused to sanction the transfer.

Dzyuba is known for his prowess in the air and was one of the standout performers for Russia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He scored three goals in the tournament as Russia confounded expectations and reached the quarter-final stage.

It is also reported that Marseille star Kostas Mitrologu also rejected a move to Cardiff on deadline day. The Greek international could have joined the Premier League outfit but rejected the offer and joined Turkish outfit Galatasaray.  It is believed that Mitrologu made the move to be united with his family who lives in Istanbul.

Cardiff City currently lies in 18th position two points adrift of safety with 13 games to go. Zenit St Petersburg leads the Russian League table one point ahead of FC Krasnodar and would be banking on Dzyuba to lead the team to yet another title.