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Berbatov to be offered new deal
Simon Johnson26 Feb 2008
Tottenham are planning to open fresh contract talks with Dimitar Berbatov and are convinced they can now persuade the striker to stay at the club.
Spurs believe the victory in the Carling Cup Final over Chelsea has proved to Berbatov that he can win trophies at White Hart Lane, especially as manager Juande Ramos has also been promised up to £40million to spend in the summer.
The 27-year-old striker has been constantly linked with a move away. His agent Emil Dantchev told the club they should sell him in January if a big offer came in so he could go to a team that could challenge for major honours.
While no such bid came, Berbatov was expected to leave in the summer, even though his current contract does not run out until 2010.
But Tottenham are now confident they will keep him, with Ramos also optimistic he can attract more top players to join Berbatov at the club.
Assistant manager Gustavo Poyet said: "I'm sure Berba is going to be here. He knows he can win things at this club. It was something that was difficult before, but he's now done it.
"There were rumours about a few players leaving. They stayed and there were a few players that came here in January. All of them now know they made the right decision, because they are already champions.
"That's what we want to say to everyone, 'Come here, we will help you and you will help us to win titles'."
The talks may have to wait a few weeks with Berbatov wanting to concentrate on the UEFA Cup, but Ramos is already proving to be a massive factor in his future.
Reader views (2)
Berbatov is one of the most gifted players , I have seen for long time in premiership ,he is absolutely fantastic, he plays with ease, smooth and sleek with good ball control, I love to watch him and Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Victorshaakaa, Hongkong, 27/02/2008 09:20
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Players like Berbatov are essential for Spurs to challenge for top honours in the future.
- Amit, Northolt, United Kingdom, 26/02/2008 17:50
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