Zeit St Petersburg chief exec Alexander Medvedev has refused to deny an approach from Newcastle United for Malcom.

The Brazil winger, formerly of Barcelona, has been linked with a move to the Magpies this month.

Foot Mercato is reporting Newcastle are keen to buy Malcom before the deadline falls. And Medvedev was coy when quizzed about the news this morning.

“Have I been contacted by Newcastle about Malcolm? We do not comment on rumors," Medvedev told Sport Express.

Despite financial sanctions on Russia, local Premier League clubs do have mechanisms to get around the bureaucracy and red-tape.