Russian newspaper Izvestia has revealed that Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho is on the verge of joining Rubin Kazan.

The same source claims the Russian club officials are currently in talks with the player’s representatives, and the two parties are close to reaching an agreement.

Carvalho’s agents are requesting a contract worth €3.5 million per season, but Rubin Kazan hope they can negotiate a lower salary.

With his contract at Santiago Bernabeu expiring at the end of the season, the Portuguese footballer is free to negotiate a Bosman deal with interested clubs, but there is a chance he will move to Russia in the January transfer window.

Carvalho is likely to request a contract termination provided he can reach an agreement with Rubin Kazan, in which case he would be free to join the Russian giants in January.

The 34-year-old defender has done pretty well every time he was called upon this season, with his experience likely to prove a major asset for Kurban Berdyev’s side.