[unitedfan]

Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa are all reported to be hot on the trail of Spartak Moscow starlet Vladimir Bystrov.

The 23-year-old winger is rated as the brightest young talent in Russia and a host of clubs are said to be keeping close tabs on him.

Initial reports suggested two English sides were looking at Bystrov and it is claimed in Russia that they are United and Boro, although Villa have also now been credited with an interest.

Bystrov has a release clause in his contract and it was reported that both United and Boro were close to matching this figure — but the player has denied that he has even thought about leaving Russia.

"I've heard that a few English clubs showed an interest in me but it'll be better to ask my agent about it," Bystrov told the Russian daily Sport.

"My contract with Spartak includes a point that allows me to go to another club if a customer will pay a definite sum for me.

"I didn't think about the possibility to move. But this could be a great chance, I don't think that it'll be worse than staying here."

Spartak general director Sergei Shavlo denied that the club had received any interest from England.

"Nobody from England asked us about Bystrov," Shavlo told Sport Express.

"Spartak isn't planning to sell Bystrov."

Bystrov has emerged as a real force in Russian football since arriving at Spartak in 2005, when they paid Zenit St Petersburg just over £3million for his services

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