CHELSEA are not about to abandon their interest in Russian winger Yuri Zhirkov - even though they have secured the long-term future of positional rival Florent Malouda.

Frenchman Malouda has committed his immediate future to the Blues with a twoyear contract extension that keeps him tied to the club until 2013.

But 25-year-old Zhirkov (pictured above), who plays for CSKA Moscow - a club sponsored by the oil company owned by Chelsea supremo Roman Abramovich - is still a target. The Russian, who scored in the 2005 UEFACup final, which Moscow won against Sporting Lisbon, and who has 31 international caps, can play at left-back, as well as on the wing. He was recommended by interim boss Guus Hiddink before he left Stamford Bridge.

Malouda was easily the Blues' most-improved player last term after a difficult first season at the Bridge, which had fans doubting the wisdom in shelling out £13.5m for the Lyon winger.

But the 29-year-old flourished as the season progressed and had an impact in big matches - including the Champions League clashes with Liverpool and the FA Cup ties at Wembley against Arsenal and Everton.

YANN TEAR ..SUPL: