Pavyluchenko: I am joining Spurs

Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has claimed: “I am joining Spurs.”

The 26-year-old insisted last night he was on his way to Tottenham after a verbal agreement was reached between the north Londoners and his club Spartak Moscow.

“I can confirm that I am joining Spurs,” he said.

“Right now I am getting my visa. As soon as it is ready I will fly to London to sign a contract.”

Pavlyuchenko, who impressed in Russia’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2008 over the summer, claimed he will not feature in Spartak’s Champions League third-round qualifier against Dynamo Kiev tonight as he ties up his switch to England.

He added: “I will not play in Kiev. Everything has happened very quickly so I could not even say goodbye to my team-mates.”

The move is understood to be close to completion, although Pavlyuchenko’s arrival would have no impact either way on Dimitar Berbatov’s future at White Hart Lane.

Spurs are short on strikers even if the Bulgarian does not complete a move to Manchester United before the transfer window closes on Monday.