MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that Denis Cheryshev is likely to leave the club on Monday (Feb 1), with the Premier League the most likely destination for the Russian international.

"Cheryshev may go because it is important for him to have more playing time," Zidane said after Madrid's 6-0 thrashing of Espanyol on Sunday. "He is a kid that works very hard, but he needs time and I wish him the best."

Cheryshev has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, but reports in England put Liverpool at the head of the queue for the 25-year-old's services.

He has made just six appearances for Real this season since returning from a successful loan spell at Villarreal last season.

However, his most telling contribution saw Madrid thrown out of the Copa del Rey for fielding Cheryshev against Cadiz when he was suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards from his time at Villarreal.