Willian to Snub Chelsea, Spurs for Anzhi

As the transfer window closes, Russian giant Anzhi Makhachkala is on the verge of beating Chelsea and Tottenham to the signature of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian. Accordingto reports, the in-demand Brazilian, who has particularly impressed in the UEFA Champions League this year, now looks certain to head from Ukraine to Russia for $54 million.

It was rumored earlier today that themove to Anzhi had collapsed, with Chelsea and Spurs both scrambling to make a last minute bid for the 24-year-old, but it now appears that the deal is close to completion, Metro reports.

Willian scored twice at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in the Champions League earlier this year, as Shakhtar helped kick the reigning European champion out of the competition. The formerCorinthians player had previously said he hoped for a move to London, but neither Chelsea nor Spurs seemed willing to pay his enormous transfer fee.