<
>

Real Madrid's Denis Cheryshev happy to join Valencia permanently

Valencia winger Denis Cheryshev says he would be happy to turn his current loan move from Real Madrid into a permanent transfer this summer.

Cheryshev at the Mestalla until the end of the season, after a first half of the campaign in which his only impact at Madrid was featuring in the Copa Del Rey while suspended, leading to the Bernabeu outfit being thrown out of the competition.

The Russia international has enjoyed regular football since joining Valencia in January, with his arrival leading to a turnaround in results for Gary Neville's side.

Asked about his future at a news conference, the 25-year-old said he would need to discuss things with Madrid when the time comes, but he would be delighted to stay at Valencia.

"I really like it here," Cheryshev said. "The reception has been phenomenal. But whatever happens at the end of the season does not depend 100 percent on me.

"It depends more on Madrid. I prefer to just enjoy this now. I have not been here long and have many things to improve. I would be delighted if Valencia want to keep counting on me."

Having struggled for much of the season, Valencia have now won five of their last six games in all competitions, and Cheryshev said that confidence among the squad is high.

"Wins always give you confidence," he said. "It's true I've not been here long, but I see the team working very well and if we are all together, it will go well. The team are on the up now. We hope it continues until the end of the season."

Cheryshev netted the winner in what was Neville's first La Liga win against Espanyol in mid-February, and then again at Granada on Wednesday night, but played down his contribution.

"The coaches ask me to do a bit of everything," he said. "I had the good luck that my teammates saw me on the two occasions and I was able to score."

Next up for Valencia is in-form Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla on Sunday evening, a tough game which Cheryshev said his team were not afraid to take on.

"We hope to front up against Atletico," he added. "They are showing the squad they have. They are very compact and concede very few goals.

"We must use what we have and not be afraid to play against them. If we go out convinced we can win, we will do very well."