Disappointment for Chelsea as Witsel set for Zenit stay

Axel Witsel has informed Zenit St Petersburg he will be staying for at least another season, ending rumours of a summer move to the Premier League.

The Belgian had originally asked to leave the Russian outfit , with his current boss Mircea Lucescu saying the midifielder had held talks with two Premier League teams.

However, it appears Witsel has now had a change of heart and has not even ruled out the opportunity of extending his current deal.

“I want to stay at Zenit for another year and I’m focused exclusively on the mseason that’s just started,” he told R-Sport .

“If I have to leave Russia one day, I have no preference between the Premier League or Serie A. Both championships are incredible.”

“I don’t know, but I never say never,” he said. “Today, I am fully focused on the current season, I want to give everything, and as to what will happen next, wait and see.”

Everton’s hopes of signing Yannick Bolasie before the weekend have also been dashed by Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew.