[Salopbaggie]

Ivanovic played 35 matches for Zenit last season, 6 in the Champions League, and all of them came at centre back. He was a constant starter and was also captain. I think that should tell us everything we need to know about whether he still has 'it'.

I see him coming in as a centre back partner for Ajayi, maybe even as vice-captain, with Kiprè and either Bartley or Hegazi as the alternates.

You know we all bow down to your knowledge of mainland European teams, so a genuine question just how good is the Russian Premier league? I have looked down and recognise the names of 6 teams of course that means nothing. But in the scheme of things how would the mid range and lower clubs compare to the mid and lower Prem teams here?