The Sun claims that the 27-year-old World Cup star, described as a hardman in the Vieira mould, is set to sign for £4million next week as Sir Bobby attempts to add some steel to the midfield.
Smertin is reported to have said: "I am desperate for a move to the Premiership and I know that the English style would suit my game."
Meanwhile Dynamo Kyiv’s Andrei Husin has apparently re-emerged as the number one defensive target after bids for Jonathan Woodgate and Daniel van Buyten failed.
Husin's agent Paulo Martins Barbosa claimed: "Talks with