According to Mirrorfootball.co.uk, Birmingham are set to step up their attempts to land want-away Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. McLeish, who was reportedly given a £40million transfer budget from owner Carson Yeung, is keen to strengthen his squad and push on for a European spot.
The Russian has been limited to appearances since his £14million move from Spartak Moscow but has moved down to fourth choice striker since the arrival of Harry Redknapp and is keen to move away from the North London club.
Having failed in attempts to sign Ryan Babel, Kevin Kuranyi, and Kenwyne Jones already this month, McLeish will be keen to land his man who is valued, by Spurs, at around £10million.
McLeish is keen to sign a new striker but has warned against breaking the wage structure in order to land a star. Birmingham City are unbeaten in 15 games and currently sit 8th in the Premier League. However, despite their good form, McLeish is adamant that a striker is needed.
“We need to get a striker, no doubt about it”
Pavlyuchenko’s substitute appearance in the FA Cup game against Leeds United in the FA Cup on Sunday will have shown McLeish that the potential is still there in a player who has seemingly lost his way at White Hart Lane. An international goal ratio of almost 1 in every 2 games would be a proud record for any striker and Pavlyuchenko would be keen to prove his critics in England wrong.
A stumbling point may be the players wage demands. McLeish is known to be against bringing in a star if it breaks his strict wage budget but will be well aware of the players desire to leave Tottenham.
“I don’t think that goal will change anything. In any case, I hope it doesn’t stop me leaving Tottenham” said Pavlyuchenko in The Daily Mail
Where the Russian will end up next week is still a matter of mystery but, having witnessed the goal he scored in his last appearance, City fans will be hoping it’s from ‘Russia with Love’ at St.Andrews.
Is there any substance to this and should this rumour Fly or Die?
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Got to say that his goal was quality against Leeds. If he can do that every week then we should sign him!! Would be interesting to see what Blues fans will make of this…?
great article, can tell the journalist has done his research… though i think pavlyuchenko should stay local and go weftaammm