Russian club reportedly throws hat in Onyewu hunt

By Shane Evans, Special to SI.com, Goal.com

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Soon-to-be free agent defender Oguchi Onyewu has attracted attention from a whole host of clubs as his contract with Standard Liege runs out in the summer.

With teams from Marsielle to Paris Saint-Germain vying for his signature, it's no wonder he hasn't accepted a contract extension to stay in Belgium.

According to reports out of Belgium, another more unlikely team has joined the fray to sign the American center back: FC Rubin Kazan.

Last year's Russan Premier League champions have apparently expressed interest in the 26-year-old and would like to add him to their squad to strengthen their chances of repeating as champs.

Though a move to France or England would be Onyewu's preferred destination, the Russians' chance for a transfer coup for the American can't be ruled out. It should be noted that in 2005, Jamaican striker Damani Ralph, then of the Chicago Fire, transferred to Rubin on a full-time deal.

Onyewu has made 158 appearances for Liege since joining from Metz in 2004. He's also a mainstay on the U.S. national team, with 38 caps since his senior debut in 2004.