Barcelona keen on Russia's Pavlyuchenko

According to Spanish news daily Sport, Spartak Moscow forward Roman Pavlyuchenko has emerged as a summer transfer target for Barcelona.

The Russian international has impressed hugely since he joined Spartak from Rotor Volgograd in 2003, having been the league's top scorer for the past two seasons.

His latest performances have impressed the new Barça coach, Josep Guardiola, who is interested in world-class reinforcements to put an end to a two-year title drought.

Although the Catalan club's preference goes to African talent Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsenal's asking price of $59 million dictates that it will be required to seek a cheaper alternative.

It is believed that Barcelona is not alone in Pavlyuchenko's chase as both Real Madrid and Sevilla are keeping tabs on the 26-year-old.

Sport suggests that a fee of $15.5 million will be enough to lure Pavlyuchenko away from the Russian capital club.