Bruce set to land Pavlyuchenko as a replacement for Bent
-
Sunderland close on Pavlyuchenko after Redknapp hints at striker's exit
Roman's road to Sunderland: Pavlyuchenko could soon be leaving Spurs
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is set to land Roman Pavlyuchenko from Tottenham as a replacement for Darren Bent.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp dashed Bruce's hopes of his first choice, Peter Crouch, but has indicated that he is ready to part with Pavlyuchenko.
Redknapp said on Friday: 'I don't want to sell Pav but if someone made the right offer and he wanted to move, I am sure it is something that the club will look at.'
The Russia international has been offered a new deal by Tottenham, but has said he will not be taking the club up on their offer as he wants to be guaranteed first-team football.
'The contract offer doesn't suit me,' said Pavlyuchenko. 'And there are rumours: (Emmanuel) Adebayor is coming to us, then (Andy) Carroll from Newcastle.
'If it proves true, I'm not satisfied with being fourth or fifth choice. I don't want to go back to sitting on the bench.'
Everton and Aston Villa have also expressed an interest in the 29-year-old forward.