Russian striker set for summer return to homeland.
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Reading striker Pavel Pogrebnyak is set for a return to Russia this summer according to The Mirror.
The Russian striker has failed to live up to expectations this season following his move on a free transfer from German side Stuttgart last summer.
Pogrebnyak won plaudits for his performances for Fulham last year after joining the Cottagers on loan and that persuaded Reading to invest significant funds in tempting the player to the Madejski Stadium.
Pogrebnyak currently receives a reported sum of £65,000 a week in wages but the Russian striker has managed just five Premier League goals this season.
With the club’ Premier League future looking increasingly uncertain, the forward looks set to be shown the exit door come the end of the season.
Reading know that they would be unable to pay the player’s wages should they be relegated to the Championship and are keen to ensure they are not burdened by Pogrebnyak’s wages should the club go down.
They are keen to avoid the situation Birmingham City find themselves in. The Midlands club are currently paying striker Nicola Zigic £62,000 after a salary increase clause in his contract, agreed during the club’s time in the Premier League, kicked in last week.
Zenit St Petersburg are reported to be keen to offer Pogrebnyak an escape route and are set to compete with a number of Russian Premier League sides for the player’s signature.