Tottenham are closing in on a deal for Zenit St Petersburg winger Andrey Arshavin.

The Sun says talks have already started with under-fire Spurs boss Martin Jol believing Arshavin could be the answer to his left-sided midfield problem.

Jol was impressed with the Zenit St Petersburg star's display against England last month and sent scouts to watch the 26-year-old play against Standard Liege in the UEFA Cup last week.

Arshavin's agent Pavel Andreev said: "It's true that representatives from the London club have been in contact with me.

"They think he is Russia's best player."