Rondon to leave Malaga

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6 August 2012-PA Sport

Going... Rondon is on his way to Russia's Rubin Kazan (Getty Images)

Venezuelan striker Jose Salomon Rondon is to leave troubled Malaga for Russia's Rubin Kazan, the clubs have announced.

Rondon, who became the club's highest scorer after arriving two seasons ago from Las Palmas, has signed a four-year contract, Rubin announced on its website.

The 22-year-old, who has 24 caps for his national side, was given leave not to join the club's pre-season tour to Italy last week because he was negotiating his exit.

Malaga also confirmed the move. It said on its website: "The player has a bright future ahead in the Russian league."

The Spanish club announced last week it was conducting an "internal restructuring" amid reports that owner Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nassar Al-Thani, of the Qatar royal family, wanted to sell the club after only two years.

Malaga midfielder Enzo Maresca claimed after its 2-0 friendly defeat by Juventus on Saturday that the club had also agreed to sell Spain playmaker Santi Cazorla, who has been linked with a possible move to Arsenal.

Maresca also warned that losing coach Manuel Pellegrini, whose wages is reported to be causing problems for the club, would be a "huge blow".