Berba out as Spurs close in on Andrei

Spurs have refused to let Berbatov leave until they find a replacement but their move for Arshavin had stalled because their £17m bid fell £3m short of Zenit's demands.

Today, though, Zenit confirmed they had dropped their price and suggested that the Russia playmaker could sign for Spurs this weekend.

"There are only small differences left," Zenit sporting director Konstantin Sarsaniya told Russian newspaper Sovetsky Sport.

"Zenit have decided to reduce the asking price for Andrei, but exactly how much I cannot say because the negotiations were led by Zenit president Alexander Dyukov."

Spurs, having already sold Robbie Keane to Liverpool last month, needed to strengthen their forward line before allowing Berbatov to join United in a £28m deal.

It is thought Berbatov was not at Tottenham this morning and has instead arrived in Manchester for a medical.

When United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was asked today if that was case he replied: "I have absolutely nothing at all to say."

Despite Berbatov's imminent departure, Spurs head coach Juande Ramos insists Spurs can compete in the transfer market with the Premier League's top four.

Spurs are determined not to be seen as a feeder club and their major summer signings have been Luka Modric, Giovani dos Santos, Heurelho Gomes and David Bentley.

Ramos, whose team are away to Middlesbrough tomorrow, said: "Tottenham already are a massive club and we can be compared with Manchester United or the other top four clubs.

"I have no doubt in my mind that any player, depending on their individual motives, would choose to remain here or come here over any of the other top clubs if he is coming from another side."

The transfer saga involving Berbatov has cast a shadow over Spurs' pre-season but Ramos believes his side are ready for their Premier League tomorrow.

Spurs thrashed Roma 5-0 in their final friendly while Darren Bent has been in top form up front, hitting 11 goals in the run of pre-season games.

"We have performed very well in recent friendlies, they have been great attacking displays so it is not something that concerns me," said Ramos.

Full-back Alan Hutton has a foot injury and will miss the match at The Riverside.

Ramos could decide to use Didier Zokora as a replacement for the Scotsman.

Skipper Ledley King, who missed the final part of last season while recovering from a knee problem, is however, fit for the game.