Alexei Smertin Position Midfielder DOB 01/05/1975 P.O.B. Russia Height 5' 09" Club Dynamo Moscow Nation Russia

Alexei Smertin's move to Fulham could have taken a step closer to completion after his Dinamo Moscow contract was cancelled.

The Russian midfielder is aiming to clinch a return to the Premiership before the end of January, and had been linked with Charlton Athletic and West Ham United.

However, he has held talks with Fulham and Chris Coleman acknowledged his interest in signing the former Chelsea man.

Coleman, though, felt Smertin's club Dinamo were 'throwing a few spanners in the works' in his attempts to conclude a deal.

Those problems now seem to have cleared up after Dinamo confirmed they had mutually terminated the player's contract.

"Dinamo Moscow's leadership and Alexei Smertin have mutually terminated the contract," read a Dinamo news release.

"Alexei Smertin will continue his career in Fulham, according to an existing agreement between him and this club.

"Smertin has already passed medicals in Fulham a few days ago.

"Dinamo Moscow thanks Alexei for his work during the last season."