Reports in Russia claim that David Moyes has embarked on a covert scouting trip to the country in order to cast his eye over two of the Premier Liga's finest players.

Sovetsky Sport newspaper reports that, taking advantage of the weekend break opened up by Thursday's fixture with Chelsea, the Everton boss visited Moscow to check on Russia captain Andrei Arshavin and CSKA Moscow star Dudu.

Arshavin is one of Russia's brightest talents and as well as captaining his country, the gifted midfielder has also impressed on a wider stage in helping Zenit to the semi-finals of the Uefa Cup.

The 26-year-old played all 90 minutes of the Russian club's defeat at Goodison earlier in the competition and also caught the eye as England fell to a damaging Euro 2008 qualifying defeat in Moscow in October.

North London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal have both been linked with the playmaker in recent months but Moyes may be tempted into making a move after reportedly attending Zenit's 1-1 draw with Saturn on Saturday.

CSKA star Dudu would be an alternative option as the Brazil international, 24, can perform in a variety of midfield roles and it is believed that he was also a prime focus of the Everton manager's trip to Russia.