Berbatov is a class act without a doubt and i for one would love him at OT and i agree with Cas's article as should most realists. Berbatov will never win the Prem whilst at Spurs and will be lucky to play in the CL again. But he is loyal, last summer he knew of late interest from Fergie but had already verbally agreed to join Spurs and didnt go back on his word.
It will be all down to money and who is available. Eto'o , Torres and Villa will all go for above £25 mill if they are sold so realistically Spurs can command that sort of fee for Berbatov who at 26 is the same age as Eto'o and won;t need time to adjust to the Prem. The Owen saga is key , if he really is available for £9 mill then SAF and Jose will fight it out over him with OT his likely destination. He wont go to L'pool as Benitez favours Villa and Torres and wont go back. An interesting summer looms.

Nick, Thrapston, Northants

Sonji - its all well and good having an opinion. But when your opinion is too say Van Persie is worth less than £1 million no one is going to listen to you. I dont remember anyone ranting and raving about Berbatov when he was 23.

Sam, London, UK

I agree with Rezwan's comments. There is only perhaps 3 or 4 club's in the world who can realistically afford Berbatov now and that is not going to happen because Berbatov's agent has twice said he will remain at Tottenham next season. If he nets further goals next year and Tottenham do not make the Champions league I think he will move on to sunnier climates in Spain or Italy. The great tragedy will be "Journalists" like Cascarino will drive him out of the premiership.

With regards to Sue's comments about people on Tottenham's door steps being ruined. Sol Cambell, Michael Carrick, Jurgen Klinnsmann, Teddy Sheringham were all on Tottenham's door step and all have enjoyed outstanding careers. Hoddle, Waddle and numerous others did pretty well too. It's because of people like you that generalisations about women and football are made!

James, Reading, United Kingdom

I think for the good of football in England and to a lesser extent Europe, that it is vital that Spurs hold on to Berbatov. The game is fast becomming top heavy, with the same clubs dominating. Spurs should refuse to sell Berbatov under any circumstances regardless of the player's wishes or how much money they may receive. Unless clubs like Everton, Spurs and Newcastle et al make a stand and try to compete on the same level as the top four, then they can forget about ever trying to match them and will only sink further behind. Will we ever see the likes of Spurs or Everton win the league again? Let's hope so.

D. Durnin, Drogheda, Ireland

How is Berbatov better than RVP. Put it in words don't just say he is better because he has some stupid price tag on his name. In terms of skill he isn't close to RVP. Robin Vanpersie is easily the most skillful player in the premiership.
When it comes to striking the ball RVP is left footed is better Berbatov both foot, you just have to look at the variation of RVP goals, from 30 to 40 yards free kick goals to amazing volleys, to tap-in and extra-ordinary goals from impossible angles. I just checked youtube and most of Berbatov were taps in.
Berbatov is better than RVP in only one aspect keeping the ball finish. Also in terms of goals RVP is much more better even this season in which RVP played only half of the season and sometimes on the wings. Berbatov has scored 11 league goals same as RVP.
I rest my case.

Glo, London, England

Think people are being a bit harsh on Tony Cascarino here. Any one of the top 4 could win the Champions League. So they have not but they could. We have had a finalist in each of the last 3 seasons, Liverpool now have money, Man Utd only need add 3 players to complete an already awesome squad and Arsenal are going to be amazing within 2 seasons. Needless to say Chelski need only luck to go their way. All you spurs fans bemoaning Cascarino for urging Berbatov to leave the lane, have a look at Carrick or Siol Campbell.

Sam, London, UK

its true that its unlikely that he will win too many trophies at tottenham, but he will have more enjoyable football. at any of the very big clubs there is much stronger competition for a team place and much more pressure when there is a slight dip in form. he could find himself playing a large part of the season in the reserves if he signs for manu or chelsea. his best choice would probably be arsenal or liverpool, but jol isn't stupid, he'll probably hold him for another season or two and then sell when he only has one season left on his contract.

bernie, london,

Hi Haria,
Who is the Van Persie? He is the most injury prone player in the league. He can get goals but require time to take the ball from right foot to left, which defenders won't allow. He is a single foot player and not a proper striker. If this moment Arsenal try to sell him, no club will offer more than 1 million for RVP.
Sonjy

Sonjoy, Delhi, India

I totally disagree with Cascarino. I can't see how Berbatov can get much better anyway. He's a class act, and he suits Spurs brilliantly. He's an intricate type of player, and he gels with Robbie Keane who plays a similar game. Plus I doubt he'd get the freedom to play like he does for Spurs at the 'big four'; certainly not from Mourinho or Benitez - you only had to watch the Champions League game to appreciate they aren't committed to the type of football Berbatov plays. What's more it would be another blow for the competitiveness of 'the best league in the world'. As an Everton fan, I love watching Spurs just for Berbatov, and long may it continue.

Alex Scott, Liverpool,

Firstly in response to Haria in London, i'll tell you how much van persie is worth - about £5m. Please don't waste our time comparing van persie to Berbatov!!!!!!!!!! Van persie is possibly the most one sided player I have ever seen, he couldnt hit a barn door with his right peg.... even if manages to hit the ball that is. Next you will be telling me that Kuyt is like Maradona!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go and sell ice creams with tony!

Berbatov is the best striker spurs have had since klinsmann. Not only that, but he seems loyal, and i'd expect him to stay at the spurs for a season or 2 yet. Levy matches his ambitions, and knows that spurs will have to progress to keep him in the long term - so expect to see spurs spend big this summer with money in bank from the carrick sale and our european run.

Ross, Belfast, Northern Ireland

This is a non debate. Any player that reaches the pinacle of his career at spurs is a loser. If Berbatov has any ambition he will move on. Spurs are only matched by Newcastle for false dawns.

Hugh, Dublin, Irl

"And, quite simply, better players make you better."
Isn't that what Tottenham are trying to do? Your arguement is that only the top 4 clubs have the right to the great players . By that logic they will always be top 4 and other clubs should not have the temerity to challange them by buying great players. By extension the top 4 clubs should get the maximum 6 points in the Premiership from the other 16 clubs, by right , and the championship will be decided by the results amongst themselves!

D. Blake, London,

staying at spurs is a total waste of time for him. as we all know that spurs is not too bad to play good game as they have alot of talented player but i can't see them winning anything in the nearest future. Though they are above average. The truth is he has to move on.

Hannie, Fort McMurray, Canada/Alberta

I agree with Patrick. At this rate anyone not in the top 4 has no place in the premiership and will never win anything acoording to this guy. Berba is world class, a fantastic player and Tottenham need to keep him if they want to challenge for top 4, but even if they did that I'm sure he would find some way to put Tottenham down and find other reasons for berba to move.

Football isn't just about trophies, Alan Shearer stayed loyal to Newcastle for all of those years instead of trophy hunting, and he is still regarded by many as being one of the great strikers of the game. Hopefully Berbatov will stay at Tottenham next season and then we will have a competetive premiership where the top 4 won't be a foregone conclusion like in previous years!!

Aamie, London,

Berbatov is one of those supremely gifted players that never appear to be in a hurry. His touch and vision are near perfect. Let's face it he's scored a hatfull in an average team. Sorry to say but yes playing for one of the big four he would excel.

Howard, Savannah,

Dear Mr Cascarino,

Many thanks for your completely unhelpful piece in The Times today (10th May). One tires of hearing writers bemoan the way agents conduct their negotiations via media when those writers themselves do just the very same thing.

Yesterday, Berbatov's agent indicated that his client (who is, let's not forget, under contract at Spurs) wished to stay. Rather than imploring him to move on, why not congratulate a rare piece of loyalty in an increasingly disloyal sport? Why not urge Berbatov to stay at a club that could challenge for a space in the top 4 IF it keeps its top players.

The gap between the top 4 and the rest of the Premiership will only widen if the best players are encouraged to become mercenaries to the big clubs. I have the greatest respect for Neville and Giggs - guys who have won more at their boyhood clubs - than for another glory-hunter in Carrick. Football isn't about collecting trophies like a scout collects badges - consider eg Le Tissier.

Regards,

Iain Robertson, Sevenoaks, UK

Right then Cascarino are you trying to antagonise spurs fans? Maybe he wants to be part of a club going places and not be a glory hunter? Maybe he wants a team built around his talents and not to be slotted in. Maybe he is happy? You are gutter press scum, trying to make a story out of nothing. His agent has told you all he is happy. So why not leave it at that. Maybe he could play for ireland (cos he got a postcard from his gran like you did). Alternatively he could have a glittering career like yours, I really think you are not qualified to offer advice on being a top quality footballer, do you? You are just angry as you never has his class. Leave it alone you jealous pr1ck and take a hike.

Nicholas Sinclair, London,

'I asked the same of Wayne Rooney when he was at Everton and I have the same answer now' - How can you seriously compare the 2003 Everton team to todays Spurs team? Everton finnished that season in 17! Spurs are on course to finnish 5th for the second season in a row with 2 cup quarter finals and a cup semi final. Berbatov hasn't suddenly become a good player, he was well known as a top european striker when at Leverkusen (played in cham league and Uefa cup), and is currently improving his game further by 'playing with players of a better quality'.

Gareth Powis, London,

What a joke...
"Imagine Carrick servicing Berbatov" Well he could of been serving him at Spurs this season. "This would be bad for the Premiership but not for the player" Oh ok then we will let him waltz off to Man U, that way the likes of Tony Cascarino only need to bother getting the 'Big 4' on his pay-per-view roster so he can watch all the best players 'in their natural habitat'- playing in front of the mutes at Old Trafford. So how exactly is the league going to get more competitive if we let the bankrolled clubs hoover all the best players up?

Daniel, Crawley, Sussex

In what sense are UEFA Cup games considered to be against weaker teams? What a ridiculous suggestion. The competition contained many teams easily comparable with those in the Champions League, and Berbatov's performances and scoring record against them confirm his big-match temperament.

Austin, London,

he's good but I don't think he's that good. I think there are a lot of better forwards in europe, maybe he's one of the top 30s

Raf, Milan,

ha,ha,ha. Berbatov the new van Basten are you having a laugh....... Anyone that arrives on Tottenham's doorstep is always ruined in the long run

Sue, London, UK

Well then, we might as well all give up! Why not go the whole hog and form a new Super League of the current top four teams in the Premiership, guarantee them Champions League football and let then pick which players they want from the rest of the Premiership.
Cascarino says that any of the top four could win the Champions League, but only one still has a chance, in a season where some of Italy's top clubs have been excluded.
Tottenham should be challenging for a Champions League spot next season, and would have been in it this year, but for the final day fiasco. Everton made it the season before. If so called journalists would stop peddling stories encouraging players to move, we might have a more competitive Premiership next season.

Patrick Barker, Pontypridd, RCT

Berba is a great player! I've seen him play for Leverkusen, for CSKA, Bulgaria national team and Tottenham. He's put some outstanding performances for all these team. Why is he so good then? Well, maybe because he's got both the brains and quick feet unlike many other forwards. You would not see him chasing hopeless balls or tracking midfielders ... a few might call him lasy. I call him intelligent ... a bit like Gary Lineker. And he's got the time to become better!

Stan, Ilkeston, UK

I wonder how much Van Persie is worth if Berbatov is worth that much, as Van Persie has only played half the season and has 11 goals, I think we have to see what Berbatov does next season to see how good he really is

Haria, London,

Cascarino...what a muppet!

I quote...."One of the top four could win the Champions League; Tottenham’s dream is just to qualify for it." Therefore, should Spurs dream become reality and qualify for it at some stage(by finishing 4th or higher), that would make them one of the Top 4, and thus they could win the Champions League (according to Mr Cascarino).

As much as I love watching Berbatov play, the statement that he has better poise than David Villa is a bit extreme. Has Tony ever watched David Villa play??? Soccer AM could dedicate the "Showboat" every week just to him!

Tony....get back to selling ice creams mate.

Martin J, London,

I doubt Berbatov will move in this transfer window. He is definitely worth more than 25 million quid and Pool and the gooners can't afford him. It is doubtful if Man U will spend the bulk of their budget on one player when the first priority is Hargreaves. Chelski have no chance, because Abraovich still believes in Shevchenko. Besides everyone saw how Spurs inflated the price of Carrick beyond reason, imagine what they could do with Berbatov, 40 million is very much possible but who except for Madrid or Barcelona would pay such a ridiculous figure?

Rezwan, Manchester,