Get me Berbatov: United boss Ferguson poised to pip Chelsea for Spurs striker

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

But although Ferguson knows he may have to go close to the British transfer record of £31 million to land the Bulgarian international, he is adamant that he will not inflate the transfer market to absurd levels to accommodate Tottenham's demands.

Berbatov scored twice yesterday as Spurs drew their FA Cup third-round tie with Reading 2-2.

Ferguson's admiration for the player whose 27th birthday is on the penultimate day of the transfer window is long-standing, but previous inquiries about his availability have been met with a uncompromising 'hands off' response from White Hart Lane. tough regime under new Dutch coach Ronald Koeman and is ready to move.

Chelsea's imminent £10m signing of Nicolas Anelka will not stop them pursuing Berbatov, particularly given Didier Drogba's equivocal expressions of commitment beyond the summer.

Manager Avram Grant will be backed by Roman Abramovich, with the Russian owner having set the previous British transfer record in paying £31m for Andriy Shevchenko in 2006.

Real Madrid have also expressed an interest in Berbatov, whose value is increased by his availability to play in the Champions League.

There is also genuine interest from Manchester City, whose manager Sven Goran Eriksson will be supported by Thai owner Thaksin Shinawatra in a bid to secure a Champions League spot in the second half of the season.

But with Real hoping to offer players such as full-back Royston Drenthe and striker Roberto Soldado as makeweights in the deal and with City unable to guarantee trophies and Champions League football, it is likely to come down to a straight fight between Chelsea and United.

Once Ferguson sets his stall out to go for Berbatov, there is only one likely outcome, even if he has to wait until the summer.

The Scot has a reputation for getting his man, in recent years landing players such as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez.

The arrival of the supremely talented Berbatov would strengthen an already powerful dressing room, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Louis Saha and the Bulgarian making a fearsome set of strikers, ready to challenge for the Champions League.