Smertin has been likened to Patrick Vieira

Newcastle are bidding to bring Russian international midfielder Alexei Smertin to St James' Park before the close of the transfer window.

Sir Bobby Robson has been closely following the player, who has been described as Russia's answer to Arsenal playmaker Patrick Vieira.

And on Friday the Sun newspaper said the club was preparing a �4m bid to bring Smertin to the Premiership.

Smertin said: "I am desperate for a move to the Premiership and I know that the Engish style would suit my game."

A defensive midfielder, the 27-year-old was a leading light in Russia's World Cup campaign but is currently two years into a five-year deal at French side Bordeaux.

The player cost Bordeaux �2m but they are reportedly keen to off-load him in a bid to ease their ever-expanding wage bill.

Robson is also thought to be targeting Ukrainian centre-back Andrei Gusin, who is currently at Dynamo Kiev.

Gusin's agent Paulo Martins Barbosa told the Sun: "Talks with Newcastle are at an advanced stage with Bobby Robson keen to finalise it within the next week or so."