Pay hike will keep Berbatov at Spurs

The length of Berbatov's contract has not been extended beyond the three years it has left to run, but his new wage packet puts him comfortably ahead of captain Ledley King and strike partner Robbie Keane - both of whom earn £50,000 a week.

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Berbatov: 'This saga has strengthened Martin Jol's position'

The willingness to break their wage structure, with the new deal due to kick in at the end of next month, is a sign of how seriously Spurs have taken Manchester United's interest in the Bulgarian.

Sir Alex Ferguson remains a committed fan but has privately conceded that no deal will be reached by the closure of the transfer window on Friday. Despite outlining his commitment to Spurs, Berbatov admitted his position could change in the future.

Asked whether a move to Old Trafford was likely before the August 31 deadline, Berbatov said: "I think this is unlikely for two reasons. Firstly, no one from United has talked either to me or my agent and secondly my club hasn't received any official transfer request. There is nothing to discuss on this subject.

"I alone chose to play at Tottenham last season and I remain in Tottenham on my own bidding, at least for now, while my contract is in force."

On his new pay deal, Berbatov added: "The club board decided to raise my weekly salary, not by much, but there is a raise."

The immediate future of Jermain Defoe is less certain. Under-pressure manager Martin Jol has criticised his striker for declining to sign the new deal on offer.

Aston Villa will lodge a bid of about £8m for the England striker, but it may take all of Villa boss Martin O'Neill's powers of persuasion to lure him to the Midlands.