Arshavin's Spurs move hopes ended

Zenit St Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin's hopes of a move to Tottenham have been dashed after the Russian club ruled out any deal with Spurs.

Zenit's new negotiating stance follows Tottenham's decision at the weekend to end their interest in the 27-year-old Arshavin, who has been valued at £24m.

Zenit said a deal with Spurs was out of the question as it was impossible for them to buy a replacement for Arshavin.

"The question of Arshavin's transfer to Spurs is closed," said Zenit's website.

Arshavin, so impressive in Russia's run to the Euro 2008 semi-finals, was thought to be an ideal replacement for Robbie Keane following the Irishman's £20.3m move to Liverpool.

The Russian had also spoken of his desire to join Spurs

"When Tottenham made their offer, I was sceptical at first," said Arshavin, who earlier in the summer was linked with a move to Spanish side Barcelona.

"But after Spurs boss Juande Ramos called me personally and told me that he wanted me in his side, the situation changed and I agreed in principle to join them."

Arshavin's agent Dennis Lachter also told BBC Sport: "It is my prediction that Arshavin is going to be a Tottenham player this season."

With Dimitar Berbatov likely to leave White Hart Lane before the end of the month, Spurs are keen to bring in a new forward capable of leading the line in a 4-5-1 formation.

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The likes of Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan, Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz and Diego Milito of Real Zaragoza are thought to be under consideration, but Sevilla's Fredi Kanoute is not a target.

Spurs lost their opening league game of the season at Middlesbrough on Saturday, with striker Darren Bent unable to replicate the impressive form he had shown in pre-season friendlies.

And with Berbatov continually being linked with Manchester United and Keane departed, Spurs are hoping to secure a striker before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

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