Spartak want Pavlyuchenko for reduced fee

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Spartak Moscow want Tottenham Hotspur's Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko back for a reduced transfer fee, the club said today.

The Russia forward joined Premier League Spurs for £13.8m a year ago but has found it difficult to earn a regular first-team spot.

Spartak said they would have liked Pavlyuchenko on loan but Tottenham would only consider selling the 27-year-old, who is liked by the fans but faces tough competition up front.

"We need a good striker," Spartak coach Valery Karpin was quoted as saying by Russian news agency RIA, adding Spurs would not sell for less than £15m.

"It's a bit too much. If the price was £10m we would seriously consider it," Karpin said.

Pavlyuchenko, who met Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp on Tuesday to discuss his situation at the Premier League leaders, said he would also welcome a return to Russia.

"I need to play regularly and if I can't get it in London I have to look elsewhere," the Russian was quoted as saying by local media.

"Obviously, Spartak would be a good choice. Hopefully, my situation will be resolved by the end of the week."