Tottenham strike pair staying put, insists Levy

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• More Spurs news

Despite speculation over the future of Berbatov 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 coach Juande Ramos to plan for the rest of the season with the Bulgarian and Defoe in his thoughts.

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Man in the middle: Berbatov is at the centre of a tug of war for his services

Sportsmail understands that 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.

It is also understood that Villa manager Martin O'Neill has made an inquiry about Defoe's availability in the past two weeks and was told that only a sizeable offer would persuade the club to sell. Given that Spurs face a possible schedule of eight games in 25 days they are likely to need every top player they can get their hands on.

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 fees 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.

Tottenham's mad month

Tomorrow — Carling Cup semi-final 1st leg: Arsenal (a);

Sat — Prem Lge: Chelsea (a); Jan 15 — FA Cup 3rd rnd replay: Reading (a); Jan 19 — PL: Sunderland (a); Jan 22 — Carling Cup semi-final 2nd leg: Arsenal (h); Jan 26/27 (provisional) — FA Cup 4th rnd: Man Utd (a); Jan 30 — PL: Everton (a); Feb 2: PL: Man Utd (h).