Real Madrid are ready to launch a January bid for Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Andrei Arshavin. AS says Real's scratchy form has convinced the board to buy big in January and they have Russia international Arshavin top of their shopping list.

Zenit are prepared to sell, but will demand at least £20 million for Arshavin.

The Russian club's spokesman, Alexei Petrov, said: "If a club is interested, then they must negotiate directly with us. Not through any agent."