Spartak Moscow and Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, a rumoured target of Tottenham Hotspur, has somewhat dampened speculation by suggesting he would prefer a move to city rivals Arsenal or Chelsea…

The Russian starred for his country in qualifying, in a memorable cameo coming off the bench that saw him net a brace and go a long way towards preventing England from qualifying for the Austria-Switzerland showpiece.

And when the tournament dawned, the imposing striker was his side’s top scorer with three goals and impressed many clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, Milan and Tottenham.

“I love the Premier League and I would certainly like to play there. However, if I go to England, I would want to play for Arsenal or Chelsea,” he revealed.

“Tottenham’s offer is not the only one we have received. Some Spanish clubs have put down their interest and Italy also has a top-class league.”

Ref From Chet Winter, Goal.com

Zenit St Petersburg are thought to be demanding £19 million for tar player Andrei Arshavin and Tottenham Hotspur close in on a record deal…

The Lilywhites lost vice-captain Robbie Keane to Liverpool last week and remain braced for the reality that Dimitar Berabatov may yet follow him out of the exit door, to Liverpool’s rivals Manchester United.

As such, despite the recent acquisition of David Bentley, another forward is thought to be in demand at White Hart Lane, with Arshavin the club’s top priority.

They are thought to have been rejected in bids for David Villa of Valencia and Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o and recently pulled out of negotiations for Diego Milito of Real Zaragoza, who suffered a shock relegation to the Segunda Division last season.

Arshavin, 27, rose to prominence in Zenit’s UEFA Cup campaign, sparkling in the final then going to Euro 2008 with Russia, orchestrating wins over Sweden and the Netherlands to propel him to unprecedented levels of stardom for Russian football. Despite earning a handsome salary at his hometown club, the player has stated his desire to leave for one of Europe’s more recognised leagues - solely for footballing purposes - and the club have recognised his wish.

However, a muted showing in the semi-final against eventual Euro winners Spain saw interest cool in the tricky forward and several of the big clubs that had been linked - such as Chelsea, Milan and the player’s favourite, Barcelona - have all pulled out of the running.

The player’s agent initially insisted his client would only move to England for one of the Big Four, but following Barcelona’s solitary bid of just €15 million that was immediately rejected, they pulled out of the race, Chelsea are continuing to push for Robinho, Milan opted for Ronaldinho and the likes of Arsenal and Inter appear to have other priorities in the transfer market.

As such, Tottenham’s interest appears the most attractive for the forward at this moment and over the last week, speculation has heightened that a deal will be completed.

The player is rumoured to have agreed a deal worth around £100,000-a-week to sign on at White Hart Lane, following Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli’s visit to Russia.

Ref From Chet Winter, Goal.com

Roy Keane’s Sunderland have announced the capture of Finnish international Teemu Tainio from Tottenham Hotspur.

The defensive midfielder has signed a three year contract at the Stadium of Light with manager Roy Keane admitting that he has more signings in the pipeline.

“I’m delighted to sign a player of Teemu’s experience and quality,” Keane told the club’s official website.  “He’ll be a valuable addition to our squad.

“Teemu has showed versatility, playing in different midfield positions for both Tottenham and his previous club Auxerre.

“But his experience, in particular, and the fact he has played more than 40 international games shows he has a lot to offer Sunderland.”

Tainio signed for Tottenham from Auxerre in 2005 and made 83 appearances during his time at the North London club.

Pascal Chimbonda is also reportedly close to joining Sunderland, while Keane is also looking to bring in Steed Malbranque and Younes Kaboul before the start of the new season.

Ref From Mathew Burt - goal.com