The Cutter understands that the anticipated move of out-of-favour Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko to Lokomotiv Moscow in January has hit the buffers, a development that greatly interests QPR.
The Russian’s representative Oleg Artemov downplayed reports that the Lokomotiv deal is all-but completed saying this week, “He hasn’t signed anything. There are more offers. We are learning, analysing and talking about them.”
Yet it still seems certain that the 29-year old – who has 18 months left on his Tottenham contract – will depart the Lane in the forthcoming transfer window with the club desperate to recoup at least some of the £14M they splashed out three years ago. Harry Redknapp meanwhile is keen to off-load his misfiring fourth choice centre-forward and parlay any fee to partly finance an audacious bid for Brazilian ace Leandro Damiao from Internacional.
As for the player a return back to his homeland remains preferable but he has also settled now in England and a switch across the capital will not only mean first team action but no further uprooting of his young family.
QPR’s new owner Tony Fernandes has made it clear there will be significant transfer funds available to Neil Warnock in January to strengthen a squad that is short of real quality and the manager’s priority is a top class striker to convert the numerous chances that have been wasted so far this term.
The Hoops have acquitted themselves well in the top flight following promotion but they are worryingly goal-shy with Jay Bothroyd and Heidar Helguson struggling to impose any genuine potency up front. A proven poacher with Premier League experience fits the bill which is expected to be around the affordable £7M mark.
