Wednesday, 12th December, 2012
Three Russian Premier League sides are leading the race for Serbian centre-back Nikola Maksimovic, who has been dubbed the "new Nemanja Vidic".
According to Russian daily Izvestia, CSKA Moscow, Dynamo Moscow and Spartak Moscow are all extremely keen on the 21-year-old, believing him to be set for big things.
Maksimovic currently turns out for Red Star Belgrade, having been snapped up by the Serbian giants in December 2011, at a cost of just €330,000 from rival Serbian side Sloboda Uzice.
Maksimovic has wasted no time impressing for the 1991 European Cup winners and now looks set for only a short stay at the Marakana.
The player’s agent has cautioned about thinking his client will jump ship at once though, stressing that the defender is still young, although he did admit that money talks and if it is right for all parties, Maksimovic could move.
"Don’t forget that Nikola is still very young and he may continue playing for Red Star", said Nikola Damjanovic told the Russian daily.
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"However, if in the winter, something happens which satisfies all parties, then my client can switch clubs.
"He has a lot of potential and can grow into a strong defender. Being called up to the Serbia national team shows Nikola is on the right path."
Maksimovic has so far won four caps for Serbia at international level, with his last appearance coming in November against Chile.
Red Star Belgrade have the 21-year-old under contract until 2016 and will no doubt demand a substantial fee to release him.
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