January 4 - Britain's Pops Mensah-Bonsu (pictured), who is expected to leave Toronto Raptors in the next few days when his short-term contract comes to an end, has been linked with a move to Russia to play for CSKA Moscow after Spanish giants Real Madrid turned down the opportunity to sign him.


Mensah-Bonsu is set to leave the NBA having appeared for the Houston Rockets and Raptors this season and return to Europe when he current deal with the Canadian club ends tomorrow.

CSKA, often referred to the "Red Army" for its past affiliation with the Soviet Army, are arguably Europe's most successful club at the moment.

CSKA has won two of the last four titles in Europe's principal club competition, the Euroleague, making the final in all four seasons

The club has competed in seven consecutive Euroleague Final Fours, which is a record.

Mensah-Bonsu, a 6ft 10in forward, is averaging 1.9 points for Toronto and 1.8 rebounds.

Representatives of the 26-year-old Londoner had reportedly contacted Real Madrid about a return to Spain, having previously played there for CB Granada and DKV Joventut in 2008.

But they turned down the approach because, reportedly, they were looking for a bigger name.

If Mensah-Bonsu does sign for CSKA they will be his 10th professional club in less than four years and he will be playing in his fifth country.


Related stories
November 2009: Toronto Raptors snap up Pops for second time
November 2009: Rockets jettison Mensah-Bonsu
March 2009: Toronto Raptors sign British basketball star