Real Madrid's Cheryshev Sevilla bound in 'ironic' loan move

Spanish football club Real Madrid's winger Denis Cheryshev will join Sevilla on Monday in what must be one of the most ironic signings of the winter transfer window.

The Russian international, who is not in the plans of Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, will join Sevilla on loan until the end of the campaign in order to strengthen their challenge in the La Liga, Europa League and King's Cup, reports Xinhua.

"He needs game time and I would be delighted if he could go on loan," commented Zidane of the forward, who has only played 117 minutes competitive football this season.

The fact Cheryshev could theoretically play in Sevilla's Cup semi-final first leg against Celta Vigo this coming week must annoy Real Madrid fans, given that it was his inclusion in Real Madrid's 3-1 win away to Cadiz earlier this season which saw Madrid expelled from the competition.

Cheryshev played in the game and scored the opening goal, despite being ineligible as the result of a suspension he had picked up while at Villarreal last season.

Madrid were punished for fielding an ineligible player in the Cup and were expelled from the tournament after their appeal against the decision was rejected.