Redknapp: I want to keep Pavlyuchenko

The Russian hitman has declared his desire to leave White Hart Lane after a lack of first-team opportunities this season.

Pavlyuchenko has admitted he would love to return to Russia and the 27-year-old has also attracted interest from the likes of Roma and Valencia.

Redknapp, however, hopes the Russian stays in North London as Spurs look to build on their impressive start to the season.

“We’ve got a strong squad – and we’ve got Luka Modric to come back. That’s more than enough strength in depth,” he said.

“I don’t want to sell Pavlyuchenko. Technically he is a fantastic talent but he keeps saying he wants to go.

“He’s got great ability but he wants to play regularly but it’s been difficult with [Jermain] Defoe, [Peter] Crouch and [Robbie] Keane all doing well. It’s unlucky for him.”

Sunday’s resounding 9-1 victory over Wigan elevated the Londoners into fourth in the league and level on points with arch rivals Arsenal.

And Redknapp is optimistic this could be the season the Big Four’s supremacy comes to an end as Spurs look to ensure they qualify for Europe after missing out last term.

“Anything other than a European place would be a big disappointment,” he said.

“We only missed out by one point last season – but it’s not impossible to finish in the top four.

“There are one or two other teams – Sunderland are going well, and Everton – but any one of Manchester City, Aston Villa and ourselves I think have got a chances of breaking into the top four.

"Why can’t it be done?”