Spurs manager Ramos wants at least £31m for star striker Berbatov

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Speaking as Spurs had an opening bid rejected for Rangers defender Alan Hutton — believed to be a player-plus-cash offer worth about £8million — Ramos stopped short of categorically saying Berbatov will not be leaving White Hart Lane.

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But the Spanish coach was adamant Manchester United, Chelsea or one of Europe's giants will have to pay more than the £30.8million that Roman Abramovich splashed out to take Andriy Shevchenko to Stamford Bridge.

"At this moment Berbatov's value is more than this price," said Ramos.

"He's a very important player, not to say irreplaceable. And we don't want to sell him. The player will stay with us unless a team comes in with an offer that we consider irresistible. There are very few players of his class.

"Everyone has a price but the intention of Tottenham is not to sell the player."

Ramos insisted the 26-year-old Bulgaria striker does not need to quit White Hart Lane to realise his ambitions.

"I think every club tries to improve their squads," said the Spaniard.

"So I perfectly understand that clubs are interested in signing Berbatov because he's a great player.

"He's the only great player who has not played in the Champions League. But Tottenham is a perfect team for him.

"We are in a phase of growth and, of course, we want to keep our best players. When we get the chance we will try to improve the team by signing players of his level so the level of the team increases as much as possible."

Ramos revealed he also expects Jermain Defoe, who has reportedly been told he must sign a new deal if he is not to be sold, and Darren Bent to remain at White Hart Lane.

But although he is hopeful his forward line will remain unchanged, the 53-year-old admitted Tottenham's atrocious defensive performances will see him try to strengthen that department.

Hutton's capture would certainly do that. But Rangers are reluctant to let the promising 23-year-old leave but an increased bid from Spurs or the entry of Manchester United into the race would severely test their resolve However, Hutton is understood to have misgivings about whether to move south of the border at this stage of his career even though Spurs are ready to more than double his £12,000-a-week wages.

Spurs are understood to have offered out-of-favour winger Wayne Routledge as part of the deal and the Scotland international's arrival could also spell the end for Pascal Chimbonda, with Ramos believed to be ready to agree the France defender's departure to raise funds.

Spurs' defensive frailties have been further compounded by Ledley King having yet to fully shake off a long-standing injury.

The England centre back made his latest comeback on Boxing Day but swelling to his troublesome knee kept him out of the New Year's Day defeat at Aston Villa.

Ramos said: "He's so important that we have to try to bring him back little by little."