Roman Pavlyuchenko has confirmed that he expects to leave Spurs in January and has talked about his despair at failing to secure first team football at the club and Russia’s World Cup play-off defeat to Slovenia.

The Russian striker said: "I have never had such a black period in my life, Russia's failure was a continuation of a catastrophic 2009. I only sit on the bench for my club and now it did not work for the national team, either."

Pavlyuchenko added: "I can only hope that January will bring changes in my life. Naturally, I mean moving clubs. My agents are coming to London this week to negotiate it."

A return to Spartak Moscow has been mooted whilst Italian side Roma are also believed to be interested. Pavlyuchenko has made four substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, providing one assist.