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Dimitar Berbatov has been offered an increase in his wages to £60,000 a week, which would make him the highest-paid player at Tottenham Hotspur, but there remain question marks over his future. The forward was the subject of an inquiry from Manchester United, who are likely to resume their interest in January or next summer.
Emil Dantchev, the forward’s representative, hopes that the revised contract will be signed in mid-September. Berbatov earns about £44,000 a week but has been in talks about a rise since May, when Robbie Keane signed an improved deal.
There remain a few sticking points, but Dantchev would not comment on whether an escape clause would be inserted in the new contract, which will not be lengthened from the three years it has left to run.
Reports in Bulgaria suggest that representatives met United as recently as two weeks ago. That came shortly after Berbatov’s relationship with Martin Jol, the Tottenham manager, came under scrutiny after a frank discussion about the rotation system. “There has been a lot of speculation, but all I can say now is that this saga has strengthened Jol’s position and that the club board decided to raise my weekly salary, not by much, but there is a rise,” Berbatov said.
United have ruled out another attempt to sign Berbatov this summer. “I think this is unlikely,” Berbatov said. “First, no one from United has talked to either me or my agent and, secondly, my club hasn’t received any official transfer request. So I think there is nothing to discuss on this subject. I alone chose to play at Tottenham last season and I remain at Tottenham on my own bidding, at least for now, while my contract is in force.
“No one said that United are not interested in me at all or in the price they need to pay for me, but what is known is that there won’t be any transfer this autumn.”
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if berby has to go so be it
pocket 25/ 30 mill and buy crouch
4 circa 15 mi
seems like good business to me
robin , london ,
Well you all know that money DOES matter...Plus this Berbo said "I alone chose to play at Tottenham last season and I remain at Tottenham on my own bidding"... There are always transfers in football and one player cannot stay in one team forever! Berbo is doing his job more than perfect so I don't see anything to worry about...
Evgeni, Sofia, Bulgaria
I used to be a Spurs supporter. I am now a Spurs follower. Good to know that Berbatov is staying at Spurs as he is their most exciting player for years. It wories me however that he has agreed to stay as his salary PER WEEK has been increased from £44,000 to £60,000. Berbatov states that this increase is "not much but there is a rise" . I am worried now - how will he survive on such a modest WEEKLY salary - poor love.This kind of comment makes me sick. I know now why I support Rugby.
Mike Birkett, Kingston upon Thames, UK
Even though I lack the vested interest of a lifelong fan I hope Berbatov stays at Spurs (as I hope Martin Jol does), since on their day last season they were one of the best, most exciting Premiership sides to watch. Compared to the drudgery (or even virtual thuggery where Blackburn or Bolton were involved) of some other Premier League games, one involving Spurs was often a pleasure to watch and served to remind true football fans that entertainment can still be part of the mix whatever their particular allegiance.
However, I'm with Martin Samuels on the subject of Jermaine Defoe: he's a quality striker and needs regular games to stay match-sharp, something Spurs can't currently offer him. For the sake of his career, and possibly in Engand's best interest as well, Defoe should move - and soon.
David, London,
Berbatov would be perfect at United. Sign him!!!!
Navin , Orlando, FL, U.S.A
Frankly, what's wrong with players of today? Is it the lure of money or helping a team win honours? Gone are the days when we had players like Matt Le Tissier. Rememeber him?He shed his blood for Southampton despite the lure of the big guns like Man U. Players should learn from him. Where is the loyalty these days? Wonder if Berba just wants to sulk just for the pay rise or is he really a team player who wants to stay and fight for the team. Guess, the Spurs board should think that such players might be unhealthy for the club in the long run. He's a genius no doubt and all credit to him but is his heart in Spurs? I for one, doubt. If you get a good offer say, 25 miil pounds, sell him.It might do a lot of good for my good old Spurs.
Spurs Fan
Vinod , Singapore, Singapore
Retaining bertatov is a watershed. If they let him go Spurs can say goodbye to top four or any international status.
If they keep him it can be the launchpad to the mega league of Man U, Chelsea, Barca et al..
If Levy and Commoli cannot see this get rid.
Leigh Vernier, Riyadh, KSA