Zenit St Petersburg in talks with Monaco over Moutinho transfer

Zenit St Petersburg director Maxim Mitrofanov has revealed that he has held talks with Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev regarding the transfer of Joao Moutinho.

The French outfit were knocked out of the final Champions League qualifying round by Valencia this week, losing 4-3 on aggregate to the Spanish side.

"I was pleased to meet my old friend Vasilyev over Moutinho," Mitrofanov told Russian news agency TASS.

"He is a great player who is important for Moncaco. Nevertheless, their Champions League elimination changes the situation over there, even if they do not want a large upheaval of their squad."

Portuguese midfielder Moutinho, 28, moved to the Ligue 1 club in 2013 for €25m and has made 90 appearances in all competitions so far for Les Rouges.