Glancing at some of the high-profile targets that Tottenham Hotspur have tried, and been unable, to sign in recent years, it is understandable why the club are unsure about succeeding with a bid for Andrei Arshavin.

Zenit St Petersburg officials have admitted that the clubs are talking about a proposed transfer of the Russia playmaker, but there are suspicions at White Hart Lane that Tottenham are being used, not for the first time, to flush out another buyer.

Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, is softening his approach to transfers, but the club insist that the player is not their principal target and they are unlikely to meet Zenit’s £24 million asking price. “We have certain contacts with Tottenham, but when they will conclude I do not know,” Konstantin Sarsaniya, the Zenit official, said.

Dead certs

Jan Lastuvka is expected to have a medical today at West Ham United, where he will be the second-choice goalkeeper. The 26-year-old Czech, who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk, was on loan to Fulham two seasons ago. John Oster is on trial at Stoke City after the winger was released by Reading at the end of last season.

David Cotterill has signed a three-year deal at Sheffield United after moving from Wigan Athletic. The attacking midfield player was on loan at Bramall Lane last season.

Tottenham’s interest in Diego Milito, 29, appears to be over after Fernando Hidalgo, his agent, said that Real Zaragoza’s asking price has dissuaded clubs from signing the forward. “They are asking for an impossible price for a player of his age,” Hidalgo said. “Tottenham was an option until today, but they are not anymore.”

Decent bets

Gokhan Inler’s agent has said that he is scheduled to hold talks next week with Arsenal about the proposed transfer of the Udinese midfield player. Dino Lamberti has said that the Switzerland player, who has four years left on his contract, would cost more than £8 million.

Guillermo Ochoa’s agent has claimed that Everton have inquired about signing the goalkeeper from Club America. He was the third-choice goalkeeper for Mexico in the last World Cup. Portsmouth hope to conclude a deal for Younès Kaboul, the Tottenham defender, in the next few days.

Long shots

SK Brann have asked about signing Rade Prica, the forward, who joined Sunderland for £2 million in January. He scored his only goal in six matches on his debut against Birmingham City.