Russia star Akinfeev rules out succeeding out-of-form Cech as Chelsea's No 1

Chelsea's hopes of signing Russia international goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev as the long-term replacement for Petr Cech have been dealt a blow with the CSKA Moscow stopper committing his future to his current club.

The 25-year-old, who at one time was high on Sir Alex Ferguson's list as possible successors to Edwin van der Sar, is currently sidelined with a serious knee injury and is facing a race to be fit for Euro 2012.

Target: Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is attracting interest from Chelsea

Despite the concerns, there is such a
degree of faith in his ability among the Chelsea hierarchy that the the
Premier League outfit are keen to press ahead with a summer move.

Uncertain future: Petr Cech

However Akinfeev has but the buffers on any approach by insisting he is happy at his hometown club.

The stopper told Russian newspaper
Sport Express: “what has been published is not true. I recently renewed
my contract with CSKA to stay here. I feel good at this club and I'm not
negotiating with any others.”

Cech has seen a sharp dip in his
performances in the last 12 months with many unsure if he will ever
return to the sort of form that saw him hailed as the planet's finest
goalkeeper when he arrived in London in 2004.

With a successor in mind, Chelsea
signed 19-year-old Belgian Thibaut Courtois but instantly loaned him out
such is his lack of experience. It is belief of both player and club
that he secures at least another season away before considering making
the grade at Stamford Bridge.