BC Khimki and Dynamo St Petersburg have offered to host the EuroCup final four - should their sides make it that far in the competition.

Khimki face Belgian outfit Dexia in their quarter-final, while Dynamo take on Maroussi Honda of Greece and both clubs are hoping to bring the semi-finals to Russia.

But Khimki head coach Sergei Elevic is keen not to underestimate his opponents, saying : "Dexia are serious rivals but we must beat them.

"The class of every team is defined by how often they play in the final round of different competitions.

"We played in the final four of all the competitions we participated in last season. We aspire to qualify for the EuroCup final four this season and then to win it.

"We have plans to host the final four," he added. "But we need to concentrate our attention on the forthcoming game against Dexia. Only if we win can we think about hosting the final four."

Dynamo chief executive Vladimir Rodionov said: "We are facing a strong club but we will try to beat them. We have a real team at the moment - the players who can strive and one of Europe's top coaches.

"Why shouldn't we host the final four?" he added. "But only if we beat Maroussi of course."

The tournament's third remaining Russian side, Lokomotiv Rostov, have declined the opportunity to host the semi-finals even if they beat Spanish outfit Joventut, due to "technical difficulties".

Lokomotiv chief executive Andrei Vedischev said: "Due to some technical difficulties, it is almost impossible to host the final four in Rostov-na-Donu this year.

"Joventut is a famous club," he added. "They have experienced players, who have played in serious competitions and their head coach (Aito Garcia Reneses) needs no introduction.

"We're not afraid of the Spaniards. I don't think Khimki would have been a better draw. It is within our capabilities to qualify for the final four."