Berba no-go but riddle over Defoe as Spurs rebuff approach from Villa

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But England forward Defoe, who has delayed signing a new contract because of a lack of first-team opportunities, revealed last night that coach Juande Ramos had told him he can go.

Defoe said: "He (Ramos) just said 'You can leave if you want to'. I have no intention of leaving this club as I love it here. I'd love to sign a new contract - and I know people at the top of the club want me to stay. But no one can expect me to sign a new deal if I can't get a game."

Despite speculation over Berbatov's future and claims from the player's agent that the striker would like to leave, Levy remains determined not to sell until the summer and has told Ramos to plan for the rest of the season with the £30m-rated Bulgarian and Defoe.

Levy has told associates that Berbatov will be staying put whether he likes it or not and that he is quite happy to risk the player losing value between now and the end of the season.

Given that Spurs face a possible schedule of eight games in 25 days they are likely to need all of their top players. Berbatov attempted to perform a U-turn by pledging his loyalty - of sorts - to the club as he began to realise that he will not be granted his wish to leave Spurs over the next three weeks.

Berbatov said: "There are too many speculations around my name, but most of them are foolish. It's absurd and I'm tired of seeing my name in the newspapers. I'm a Tottenham player and I'm trying to give my best so I can help my team. I'm happy at the moment. You can win titles and medals with every team and I can win with Tottenham, too."

Despite days of speculation about Berbatov's future, the only club to express direct interest are champions Manchester United.

Old Trafford chief executive David Gill contacted Levy a month ago but it is thought United will wait until the summer to make an official move.

Suggestions that Manchester City are pursuing Berbatov are off the mark. They do not have the financial muscle to compete for players of that stature in terms of transfer fee or wages.

It would take a bid in the region of £10m to tempt Spurs to sell Defoe, 25, especially as they anticipate losing Berbatov in the summer.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill enquired about Defoe's availability in the past two weeks and was told that only a sizeable offer would persuade the club to sell.