Zenit St Petersburg are chasing Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse.

The Sunday Express says Cisse, who is refusing to wear a kit emblazoned with payday loan company Wonga's logo on religious grounds, did not travel with the rest of the squad to Portugal, where Alan Pardew's side play two friendlies.

Cisse, a practicing Muslim who joined the Geordies from German club Freiburg 18 months ago, believes his only option is to leave Tyneside.

Zenit will have no problem meeting any Toon price, as they seek to make a big profit on their £9million investment.