Pavlyuchenko desperate for exit

Pavlyuchenko has struggled to break into Harry Redknapp’s first-team plans this season despite Spurs’ impressive opening to the campaign.

The 27-year-old has made it clear he wants to leave during the January transfer window and has now confirmed he wishes to return home.

“I have a huge desire to return home,” Pavlyuchenko told the Russian press.

“I’m prepared to accept any decent offer from Russia. It seems Tottenham is now a turned page for me.

“I don’t expect the situation to change for the better. Six months ago, I landed on the bench. I immediately made it clear I did not want to be there.

“The manager kept saying he relied on me, but nothing changed. I need to find a way out of this.”

Former Spurs manager Juande Ramos splashed out £13.8 million on Pavlyuchenko after an impressive showing for Russia in Euro 2008 and netted nine league goals in his debut season in English football.

But following the summer arrivals of Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch, the former Spartak Moscow hitman has found his chances limited and hasn’t started a single league game so far this term.

“In my first year there I played a lot, scored often and was successful with my national team.

“I had an insight into English football which helped me to understand a lot of new things.

“So I do not have any regrets. But my present situation doesn’t suit me.”

Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.