It’s common knowledge that the January transfer window is a significantly harder time of year for clubs to prise the best talent away from their clubs, leading a number of the Premier League’s top sides to turn to relatively low-coverage Alan Dzagoev as a purchase alternative.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all reported to be in the running to sign an attacking midfielder in this month, but after some of the world’s brightest prospects –including Mario Gotze, Christian Eriksen and Eden Hazard – all appear to have been locked up by their respective clubs, Dzagoev looks certain to become subject to bids.

The 21 year-old has impressed greatly over the past four seasons at CSKA Moscow and matured into an integral member of the team since winning the Russian Premier League Young Player of the Year award after his debut season in 2008-09.

Dzagoev has previously professed his loyalty to CSKA and claims that he is happy playing in Russia, however Premier League sides will be buoyed by comments made that if he were to move, the English top flight would be a preferred destination.

Dzagoev’s exploits on a club level have led to his services being required on an international level, and since making his debut for the senior national side in 2008, the starlet has made 17 appearances for the team.

All three aforementioned English giants have reason to be on the lookout for a creative midfielder after either losing players to transfer, injury or age.

CSKA may not want to let their talisman go, but as the transfer window comes to an end and teams begin to panic, the Russian outfit may not have a choice if a club were to match the playmaker’s £14m price-tag.