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Dimitar Berbatov
On his way: Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov will join Manchester United once Tottenham have found a replacement for him

Spurs agree £28m United Dimitar Berbatov deal

Simon Johnson, Football Correspondent
14 Jul 2008


Manchester United have agreed to pay Tottenham a club-record £28million for Dimitar Berbatov, but may have to wait a few weeks before completing the deal.

Sir Alex Ferguson finally made his move for the Bulgarian striker over the weekend.

An initial bid of £20m was rejected and it was then reported that United would make a £25m take-it-or-leave it offer.

However, the two clubs have now come to an agreement after chairman Daniel Levy insisted the champions pay closer to £30m.

Publicly, Spurs are still insisting the striker isn't for sale, but head coach Juande Ramos has been planning for next season without him for some time.

The 27-year-old has made it clear he wants to leave and while he preferred a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid because of the lifestyle in Spain, United are the only club to have followed up their interest with a solid bid.

Tottenham had put a new contract in place in case no offer was forthcoming, but the player showed little interest in signing it.

Spurs will still not let him leave for Old Trafford until they find a replacement and the club have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in the hunt for Zenit St Petersburg's Euro 2008 Russian star Andrei Arshavin.

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz is also a target, although Tottenham are already having difficulty negotiating with Blackburn over England winger David Bentley.

The Lancashire club want £18m for the former Arsenal star who is keen to return to London and is a Spurs fan.

Tottenham may also use the funds from the Berbatov sale to make another move for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, although he has already made it clear he isn't interested in coming to White Hart Lane.

But while Berbatov will go to United, they won't allow assistant manager Gus Poyet to follow him.

The Uruguayan is on Ferguson's wish list to replace Carlos Queiroz, but Spurs are determined to keep him and he is happy at the club.

Reader views (2)

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Bad luck Johnny boy...Berba is on his way to the European Champions. No doubt he'll add massive value on the pitch.

- Andrew C, Manchester, 14/07/2008 16:42
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If Spurs sell Berbatov it will be just like the sale of Carrick to Man U: they will be left looking for a replacement but never finding one of the same quality. If Levy is serious in his desire to get Spurs back into the top flight then Spurs must retain their quality players: eg is Ferguson willing to sell Ronaldo?

- John Harvey, London, UK, 14/07/2008 12:36
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