GasanMagomedov, a 20-year-old midfielder with Russian side Anzhi Machachkala, has been shot dead in his car.

The club said Magomedov died from his injuries on his way to hospital after his car came under automatic gunfire on Saturday night.

Magomedov had been driving home to his his parents’ house in the village of Novokuli, in the province of Dagestan in the North Caucasus, when he was attacked.

Magomedov’s family heard the gunfire and rushed out of the house to see Gasan inside the car bleeding.

According to a club statement, police have yet to identify the perpetrators or the motives behind the attack.

Magomedov did not play a first-team game for Anzhi, but represented the club’s youth and reserve sides.

Anzhi sent their “sincerest condolences” to Magomedov’s family.

General director Sergey Korablev said on the club’s official website: “We console with Gasan’s family. I hope the law-enforcement bodies will quickly find the killers and they will receive just punishment.”

Dagestan, the region of which Makhachkala is capital, has seen outbreaks of militant Islamist activity. Anzhi play in the Russian second division, having been relegated last year following major budget cuts.

In previous seasons, backed by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov, the club challenged for the Russian Premier League title and twice reached the last 16 of the Europa League.