Morning:
14°c
Done deal...Fergie gets £28m Berbatov
Simon Johnson13.08.08
Manchester United have clinched the £28million signing of Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham subject to a medical.
It is understood the clubs have reached an agreement for the transfer and the Bulgaria striker is now expected to travel to Manchester for a routine fitness test.
Standard Sport revealed yesterday that United were on the brink of securing the deal and now it is understood they have got their man, although official confirmation may still take a few days.
Spurs have known all summer they were facing a losing battle to keep the 27-year-old as he refused to sign a new contract and made it clear he wanted to join Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
They were resigned to him going when he was on the club's pre-season training camp in Spain a few weeks ago but refused to let him go for less than £28m, giving them a healthy profit on the £10.9m they paid for him.
But the move was delayed while the club stepped up their search for another striker and then there was a bust-up between Ferguson and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy over United's pursuit of the player. However, it was always going to be a matter of time and Berbatov is set to get a four-year contract worth £80,000 a week. The striker ignored United to go to White Hart Lane from Bayer Leverkusen two years ago but only 12 months later revealed he was dreaming of going to Old Trafford.
He said: "Of course I like Sir Alex's team and it would be a pleasure for me to play [at United]."
Meanwhile, Spurs have made a final bid to sign Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg. The deal looked to have collapsed last week after Zenit demanded £21m for the playmaker.
But the two clubs have since got closer to agreeing a fee and will have more talks today. However, Spurs' interest in Spartak Moscow striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has cooled because head coach Juande Ramos isn't a big fan of the Russia star.
Reader views (9)
He was in lLndon today, training. Check Spurs' site and you will see this.
- Mike Indie, London
It's to be hoped he doesn't head for "Humberside" because it hasn't existed since last century. Do keep up.
Who ever you are, you're not from The City and County of Kingston upon the River Hull which is in the East Riding of Yorkshire, because no true Hullensian would make light of his culture.
- Enid Blyton, Kingston upon Hull
I hope it goes through as hull city will now get frasier campbell from united.
- Ghurkin, Hull, Humberside
I am sorry Berbatov has gone, but he is a moody man and he will not be guaranteed a spot in the team like he was at Spurs.
Having said that Darren Bent has shown great character and commitment after a dreadful season last year. Only time will tell, but Jol thought he was worth 16 million, so someone saw something in him. Perhaps with regular games he can replace both Keane and Berbatov in terms of scoring, and no doubt if Berbatov has a good season with Man U he will then move off to Real Madrid or Barcelona next season anyway.
- Stephen Rothbart, Prague, Czech Republic
Are Spurs going to sell all their team to Man U and open a shopping mall at White Hart lane?
- Billy, Plettenberg Bay,South Africa
this can be good, time will tell. if we sign arshavin or villa and a centreback im very happy. we are heading for top 4. no doubt
- Robert Hotspur, gothenburg, sweden
Yes, we have got the second best striker in the prem!
- Berbatov, london
Excellent news. Man United now definitely have the best attack and defence in the Premiership and our midfield has proven itself time and again. Bring on the rest - we are ready.
- Subaan Khan, Durban , South Africa
28m what a result! I would have preferred the sulking Berb to have gone to Barcelona but I'm just glad he has gone now. We just need to bring in Arshavin and one other striker and perhaps another centre back and we are good to go.
- Justin (Spurs Fan), Bristol, UK
