Robin Van Persie and Nicolas Anelka on Anzhi Makhachkala wishlist

Russian big spenders Anzhi Makhachkala are lining up swoops for Robin van Persie, Nicolas Anelka and Neymar, according to player-coach Roberto Carlos.

Carlos claimed his club are also targeting Paris St Germain star Nene in a bid to eventually become as big as Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Former Brazil defender Carlos, a 2002 World Cup-winner, was the first major star to move to Anzhi following their takeover by billionaire businessman Suleyman Kerimov at the turn of the year.

The left-back, 38, has since been joined in the volatile Dagestan region of Russia by Samuel Eto'o and Yuri Zhirkov.

And club captain Carlos has now claimed there are four more big names on the ambitious club's wishlist.

"Anelka is not the only player," he told French TV show Canal Football Club.

"Nene from PSG and Van Persie from Arsenal are players we are following. And Neymar? I talked to him.

"If Real, Barca or Manchester United cannot pay the transfer fee, we will pay it. Suleyman Kerimov can offer what he wants."

Anzhi have also been linked with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, as well as Fabio Capello and Jose Mourinho on the management front.

Carlos added: "We want to make a club the calibre of Real or Barca.

"We have the potential to have a strong team. We are already the best team in Russia and I am serious when I say that."

Chelsea striker Anelka and England manager Capello are both out of contract next summer, while Van Persie has less than two years left on his Arsenal deal.

PA