Tambov centre-back Maksim Osipenko has moved to Rostov on a 4.5-year contract. The 25-year-old played every minute of all but two of Tambov’s Russian Premier League matches before the winter break, scoring one goal.

Osipenko appeared in both clashes between his former and new employers this season, winning both 2-1. In moving to Rostov, he joins Dmitry Chistyakov, whom he replaced in Tambov’s defence last summer.

Osipenko had played all his career below the top-flight before his debut for Tambov last summer. All but two of Rostov’s last 10 signings from other Russian clubs have come from the lower leagues.