Pavlyuchenko set to leave Harry with a transfer dilemma

Roman Pavlyuchenko looked to be heading out of White Hart Lane in January. The Tottenham striker was out of favour with his manager Harry Redknapp and it seemed as though there was little chance of the Russian international making his way back into his boss’s plans. But two goals away at Wigan Athletic in February has re-ignited his Spurs career and eight goals in his past six outings for the Lilywhites makes him one of the most in form forwards in the country.

It is funny in football how often things like this happen. With clubs from England and Russia both interested in securing Pavyluchenko’s services in the transfer window, along with the arrival of Eidur Gudjohnsen in North London, it looked like it would be only a matter of time before he made way. But, with Tottenham’s £13 million valuation of the Russian putting off potential suitors such as Birmingham, the window slammed shut and the goals started to flow. Super Pav, as he is known by the Spurs faithful, has always been a popular figure at White Hart Lane because of his natural ability and good technique. But Redknapp wasn’t happy with his work rate earlier on in the season and the Spurs gaffer thinks the realisation that he was going to be staying has made the Russian increase his commitment to the cause.

He said: “Technically, he is a fantastic player, but he’s got the appetite for the game. I think the transfer window came and went and he realised he wasn’t going back to Russia and he’s knuckled down. I think he’s been wanting to go back to Russia. That’s the feeling I had, that was the messages that his agents kept giving but we didn’t want to sell him in the end. And he’s got his chance now. He’s given me a nice problem. He’s working harder, without a doubt. He is getting across defenders and he is doing a little bit when we haven’t got the ball, and working for us. That’s all I’ve ever asked him to do. Just put a shift in.”

So what does this all mean for the summer? Will Redknapp now want to keep Pavlyuchenko at the club? He is playing far better than Peter Crouch but I’m not sure there is room for both in Harry’s squad. As the only established striker in the set-up that Redknapp didn’t sign, the 28-year-old may still find he is shown the exit door, especially if any more attacking options arrive. For now though, Pavlyuchenko is waiting to see how things pan out over the next couple of months before making any choices.

He said: “I’m not in a hurry to make decisions on my career – unlike last month, when I was sure I would leave. I now think only about the end of the season. We stand a good chance of finishing in the Champions League places, so we shouldn’t waste this opportunity. And we will fight for the FA Cup, too. So I will think about my future in May. And I’m not going to guess how many goals I’ll score – let’s count them once it’s over.”

With the recent news that Jermain Defoe will now spend the next few weeks on the sidelines with a torn hamstring, the onus will be firmly on Pavlyuchenko to keep hitting the back of the net on a regular basis. With Crouch struggling for form, it will be vital to Tottenham’s chances of finishing in fourth place. If Super Pav helps the North Londoners achieve their goal then his stock amongst the fans will only continue to rise – but will he be around next season?