Fenerbahçe's interested in move to Spartak Moskva

Though unsubstantiated by either club or player, various news agencies are noting Fenerbahçe attacking virtuoso, Alex(de Souza), is jockeying for a spot with Spartak Moskva. As noted in Russia media outlet Sports Express, the thirty-two year-old midfielder who joined the Turkish side in 2005 after stops with Coritiba, Palmeiras, Flamengo, Parma and Cruzeiro in his native Brazil, is said to be anxious to join countrymen Ibson, Alex and Welliton in Valery Karpin's attack.

Spartak Moskva finds winning form under Valery Karpin

While only a temporary solution the Valery Karpin "era" for Spartak Moskva began with an important 2-0 victory over Terek Grozny. While the victory wasn't "convincing" and it was obvious the Spartak machine is not running on full cylinders, the return to the win column was important. Although there have been many high profile managers noted for the vacant position, Mr. Karpin's words prior to the match has been cited as the beacon to guide the players through tumultous times. In his first decisions as manager Russian U-21 keeper Soslan Dzhanayev was handed goalkeeping duties and youngsters Yevgeni Makeyev and Artem Dzyuba entered the starting eleven. After a scoreless start to the match veteran Denis Boyarintsev was the source of the opening goal as his cross into the box was parried out by Grozny 'keeper Andriy Dikan straight to Vladimir Bystrov to which the Russian international plowed the ball into the back of the net. Ten minutes later with Grozny exposed in the back, Spartak leap on the counter with Artem Dzyuba provided Welliton for a perfect finish from the top of the box to bring the match to the final 2-0 scoreline.

Valery Karpin brings in Rafael Carioca from Grêmio

Since taking over as general director of Spartak Moscow this August, Valery Karpin has been committed to filling up the hardware case. One of the first major signings has been Brazilian U19 Rafael Carioca from Grêmio for a rumoured £8 million. The club is finalizing a few other important signings and rumoured to be additionally interested in Asier del Horno and VfB Stuttgart’s Ludovic Magnin.