SIR ALEX FERGUSON is considering legal action against the Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy as the row over Manchester United’s pursuit of striker Dimitar Berbatov threatens to escalate into an ugly confrontation between the clubs. Ferguson is incandescent about a statement by Levy in which he branded the United manager “unbelievably hypocritical” and accused him of “sheer arrogance”.

Levy has also made a complaint to the Premier League regarding Ferguson’s conduct in his attempts to sign Berbatov, for whom United have bid £20m. United indicated last night that this would be vigorously contested.

At the centre of the argument are quotes attributed to Ferguson in The Sun, which he categorically denies having given. The newspaper quoted Ferguson as saying he was confident of signing Berbatov. Levy interpreted this as “interference” with regard to his player, labelling it “probably one of the worst offences by any manager in the Premier League to date”.

However, Ferguson, speaking in Cape Town after United drew 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs in the first game of their South African tour, hit back in the strongest terms. “It is going to be very embarrassing for Tottenham because they have based their complaint on a story in The Sun. I don’t know where they got these quotes from, but it certainly wasn’t me,” Ferguson said.

“I haven’t seen [Levy’s statement] yet. I have just been given the gist of it by our press officer. But I’m sure our legal people will be looking at it.”

Unless it can be proved that Ferguson made the comments in dispute, Levy could find himself defending a defamation case. However, last night Tottenham said that they stood firmly by the statement.

In all likelihood, the row has strengthened United’s chances of signing Berbatov, who joined Spurs in May 2006 for £10.9m. Levy was determined to play hardball over the 27-year-old Bulgarian striker, for whom he is thought to be seeking £30m, but he may have to be more accommodating should he find himself trying to persuade Ferguson not to sue.

Barcelona are also interested in Berbatov and are reported to be ready to offer Tottenham £24m for his services.