Russian star Roman says: ‘I’m on my way to Spurs’
Pavlyuchenko heads to Tottenham as Berbatov’s United move looks back on
Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko insisted he was on his way to Tottenham last night in a deal which would almost certainly bring an end to Dimitar Berbatov’s future at the club.
Pavlyuchenko, a long-term target of Spurs boss Juande Ramos, told UEFA’s website he will complete a move to White Hart Lane once a Visa application has been approved.
The 26-year-old has not travelled with the Spartak Moscow squad for tonight’s Champions League qualifier with Dynamo Kiev and expects to be unveiled as a Tottenham player in the next few days.
Pavlyuchenko’s arrival will undoubtedly bring the curtain down on Berbatov’s White Hart Lane career with a £25m move to Manchester United now all but certain. Wantaway Berbatov was left out of the squad for Saturday’s defeat by Sunderland for “not being in the right frame of mind” amid the transfer rumours.
Now Pavlyuchenko has shed light on Tottenham’s intentions to replace the Bulgarian, insisting he’s on his way to north London. “I am back in Moscow and I will not play in Kiev, and I can confirm I am going to Tottenham,” he said.
“I am waiting for a Visa and as soon as it is granted, I am ready to go to England and sign.”
The striker, however, has also revealed that he has not yet met with Ramos to discuss the move.
“Juande Ramos, I have not yet met, it seems like he will call me – but I know for sure he is very interested in my services,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Spartak spokesman Eduard Nisenboim says that while Pavlyuchenko has yet to put pen-to-paper on any deal, an agreement is imminent.
“I would prefer it if the deal was described as very close,” said Nisenboim.
“At the moment the papers have not yet been signed – we have only reached a verbal agreement with the England club.”
Pavlyuchenko is Spartak’s most prolific goal scorer with 75 goals in 145 goals and starred for Russia in Euro 2008, steering his side to the semi-finals with three goals in the tournament.