£30 million or Berbatov rots in the reserves. In that case, let him rot!
August 26, 2008
Reports today claim that if United fail to meet Tottenham’s £30 million valuation of Dimitar Berbatov, Spurs are prepared to let the sulking striker rot in the reserves. Berbatov missed Tottenham’s recent home defeat to Sunderland with manager Juande Ramos claiming the striker’s “head is not right” leaving Spurs with just one recognised striker in the team.
Berbatov has made no secret of his desire to join United and United have made no secret of their desire to bring the Bulgarian on board but as of yet, the clubs have been unable to agree upon a fee. United have already had a £20 million bid rejected and it is reported that United are prepared to up that to £25 million but not a penny more. On top of that, United want Spurs to withdraw their complaint over the saga in which the North London club claimed United had tapped up Berbatov.
Spurs have lost both of their Premiership games so far this season with the home defeat to Sunderland piling the pressure on the club. Whether Berbatov is sold or is indeed left to rot in the reserves it is clear that Spurs will need to sign another striker, possibly two, if they are to have any hope of a top 6 finish let alone finishing in a Champions League spot.
£25 million from the sale of Berbatov would represent almost £15 million profit for a player they bought for little over £10 million just two seasons ago and with the striker so desperate to leave it looks to be a sweet deal for Spurs. It would also give Ramos the funds to delve into the market and sign another top class striker which the club so desperately need.
It is no secret that United have paid over the odds for players in the past and I have no doubt that it was it in the back of Levy’s mind when he slapped the price tag on Berbatov. He needs to be careful though; the last thing Spurs want is a sulky striker with huge wages in the reserves whilst the rest of the team struggle to break into the top half. But if he is not careful, that is exactly what will happen as all the signs coming from Old Trafford suggest United will not be held to ransom.
As it stands, it is simply a waiting game to see which side will give in; if any. If united cave in now, it will send yet another signal to every other club that United are there to be fleeced. If someone is going to give in, let’s hope that it isn’t us.
More that may interest you
- Daniel Levy: I blame Berbatov- Berbatov on course to recover in time for Chelsea
- Alex Ferguson finally gets his man. Dimitar Berbatov signs for Manchester United
- Levy at it again: more money for Berbatov please
Discussion
One person has said their bit on “£30 million or Berbatov rots in the reserves. In that case, let him rot!”
Yes you are correct. The incredible sulk will bring nothing but bad luck.