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Fergie banks on Berbatov: United seal the deal for £25m Spurs striker

Last updated at 02:47am on 13.08.08

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Dimitar Berbatov is expected to agree personal terms and seal his £25million move to.

Sportsmail understands that the Bulgaria striker is due at United's Carrington training centre after finally being given permission by to talk to the Barclays Premier League and European champions.

The 27-year-old will be offered a four-year deal worth in the region of £80,000-a-week. United hope he will appear on their official pre-season team photo, scheduled to be taken on Friday.

Dimitar Berbatov

Making his point: Berbatov will end speculation about his future by signing for United


If Berbatov agrees terms, his signing will end an 18-month pursuit by Sir Alex Ferguson, who will be on the verge of fielding his dream attacking line-up featuring Berbatov, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo when the latter two regain health and fitness.

Sir Alex Ferguson

Fergie: Gets his man - again

Ironically, the Premier League board are discussing Tottenham's allegations that United have behaved improperly in their pursuit of Berbatov. White Hart Lane chairman Daniel Levy believes United 'tapped up' their player and made a complaint to the Premier League in mid-July.

However, the League are not expected to find in Tottenham's favour - especially as the clubs have been negotiating for the last few weeks. As Sportsmail revealed last month, United's first offer of £20m for Berbatov was turned down with Spurs originally wanting £32m for the player.

But it is understood the clubs have now agreed on a fee of around £25m - money which Spurs will need to spend immediately on a replacement.

At United there will be jubilation if the deal goes through as Berbatov has been targeted to lead the line since impressing Ferguson in 2006-07.

With Louis Saha so often injured, United have not had a 'through the middle' striker since Ruud van Nistelrooy left.

Meanwhile, United veteran Ryan Giggs fears this season could be his last at his one and only club.

The Old Trafford legend has a year left on his current deal and although the champions are almost certain to discuss a new one, the 34-year-old has hinted it could be time to go.

Ryan Giggs

Fantastic servant: Giggs celebrates United's Community Shield victory

Giggs said: 'For each of the last couple of seasons I've gone into it as if it's my last. I'm not getting any younger so this one could be. That's my motivation to stay in the team.

'I have good players around me and I want to win and experience things like we did last season. Winning trophies motivates me.'

Giggs has looked fresh and enthusiastic in pre-season and is likely to start the new season as a key part of Ferguson's team.

He is already looking to the future and began working towards his coaching qualifications during the summer.

The former Wales captain added: 'I went to Lilleshall with Gary Neville and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It brought me back down to earth after the Champions League in Moscow.

'I enjoyed it, although it's hard work looking at things from the other side of the fence. It was tough as I've been used to playing and just concentrating on that.

'There are so many other things to concentrate on as a coach so I suppose I appreciate what the coach is doing a lot more now.

'I think I'll pursue it. I have to finish it off this season then go for my Pro Licence. I want to be prepared for when I finish playing.' 


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Reader views (10)

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Finally, after the transfer saga of this Berbatov rumour. It is finally true.United will be able to net more goals this season. Glory,glory Man United

- Mr Fatduck, Afghanistan

Well it is not a surprise that berbatov is coming to Old Trafford because he revealed his intentions of coming to Man Utd and to play along side with the experienced players. I think berbatov, tevez, rooney and cristian ronaldo, man utd will have a chance to repeat the 1999 triple.
Ali.

- Ali Baba, Minnesota, USA

If Berbatov thinks he can ponce around and sulk when things are going wrong, as he did when playing for Spurs, he is in for a rude awakening. Fergie won't tolerate this self indulgent behaviour. A world class player, no doubt, but his attitude will need to improve drastically. Still, we nicked him from under the nose of the hypocritical sanctimonious Mr levy, so it isn't all bad.

- James Hennessy, London England

My original comment was that it will be great to see Berbatov link up with the excellent players at Man Utd. The reaction from Spurs fans was, as usual, amusing to say the least. Just to put the record straight our 1st team beat you home and away last season. Being in the champions league we don't take the meaningless league cup seriously. Mind you it saved Spurs season as they finished in the lower half of the Premiership. Having sold so many quality players this season and replaced them with overpriced players who haven't played in the Premiership, it will be interesting to see if Spurs can better 11th place.

- Rob Gooner, London

I have heard Halesowen Town are signing Henry, he will win more trophies there.

- Ross, Halesowen, UK

Well said Colin.

Rob - All I can say is 5-1

- Becky, London

and who are Spurs playing in this seasons champions league. Oops I forgot they have never ever even qualified for the Champions league. Enjoy the UEFA Cup!

- Rob Gooner, London

Are you and Arsenal fan Rob? The way you always turn up on the Spurs stories, I thought you supported Tottenham.

- Colin, London

Just like its good to see Henry at a club that can win the Champions League...

- Mark, London

Although I m an Arsenal fan, it will great to see Berbatov at a top club, liking up with the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo & Tevez.

- Rob Gooner, London


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