United set for Berba swoop
James Robson
31/ 7/2008
UNITED will finally land Dimitar Berbatov once Andrei Arshavin completes his expected move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite Spurs chairman Daniel Levy being infuriated by United's pursuit of the Bulgarian hitman, he is understood to have told Old Trafford officials that he will be willing to let him go for £28m.
Sir Alex Ferguson has made Berbatov his number one target this summer as he looks to add a new dimension to the attack of the Premier League and European champions.
Spurs are resigned to losing the want-away forward, despite reporting United to the Premier League over their attempts to lure him away from White HartLane.
But they have proved they won't let that acrimony get in the way of a deal after selling Robbie Keane to Liverpool, another club they have reported to the authorities.
The only thing holding up Berbatov's move has been Juande Ramos' desire to have a ready-made replacement in place before releasing his star asset.
Russia's Euro 2008 sensation Arshavin is that man, which should enable Ferguson to land the player he has tracked for the last 12 months.
Despite Spurs preferring to see Berbatov move to the continent, rather than a Premier League rival, there has still been no firm offer from Barcelona, who have been most strongly linked with the 27-year-old.
While Berbatov's arrival would bring an end to one transfer saga this summer, the future of Cristiano Ronaldo continues to rumble on.
Despite United insisting they will not sell the double footballer of the year at any price, Real Madrid refuse to take no for answer.
The Spanish giants' president Ramon Calderon again risked the wrath of Ferguson when revealing that he had not yet given up hope of landing the Portuguese winger in a world record deal.
"Madrid are just spectators in this soap opera," he said.
"At the moment Manchester United and the player are in an argument and Madrid are waiting and we can't do any more for the time being."
Manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Très bonne nouvelle Berbatov n'a jamais était aussi proche de Manchester la seul chose qui retarde le transfert est que Ramos cherche un remplacent pour celui ci est il sont disposé a le laissé partir pour 28m£ wait & see !!!