Athletic Bilbao midfielder Pablo Orbaiz is headed to the Russian city of Kazan for contract talks with Russian side Rubin Kazan, Athletic said Thursday.

Orbaiz has four caps for Spain and a year remaining on his contract in Bilbao.

"Athletic Club, at the request of the player, has given him permission to be absent from training and, if all goes as planned, he will sign a contract with the Russian team," Athletic said in a website statement.

Orbaiz, 33, switched to Athletic from Osasuna in 2010 and has since made 263 appearances, scoring 10 goals.

Rubin finished sixth last season in the Russian Premier League, a disappointing result after back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009 and third place in 2010.

A 1-0 win in the Russian Cup final over Dynamo Moscow salvaged some silverware and a place in this season's Europa League.

Earlier this month, Rubin defeated reigning league champions Zenit St. Petersburg 2-0 to win the season-opening Super Cup.