Spurs hopeful of keeping Berbatov

Sporting director Damien Comolli remains hopeful that Tottenham will be able to keep Dimitar Berbatov out of the clutches of Manchester United.

Berbatov: Spurs hope he stays
Berbatov: Spurs hope he stays

Berbatov has been strongly linked with a £25million move to the Red Devils and was left out of the Spurs squad for last weekend's defeat by Sunderland.

He trained with the Spurs squad on Friday, ahead of Sunday's clash with Chelsea, and Comolli says the club are keen for the Bulgarian striker to remain in north London.

When asked if Berbatov would still be at Spurs when the transfer window closes, Comolli told Sky Sports News: "I hope so, of course.

"He's a very good player and, as Juande (Ramos) has said many times, we're delighted he's with us.

"I don't really want to comment about speculation, but we just hope he's going to stay."

Comolli was non-committal on Roman Pavlyuchenko's anticipated arrival at Spurs after the Russian striker landed at Heathrow on Friday morning.

He added: "We will comment and will let you know when we've got news."

Another Russian to have been linked with a move to Spurs is Andrei Arshavin, with the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker having said he no longer expects to join the Premier League club.

"It's difficult for me to comment on different rumours and speculation," continued Comolli. "He plays for another club we respect and they have got a game tonight."

Comolli also played down reports that Spurs are looking to sign veteran Swedish striker Henrik Larsson, saying: "At the moment we've got some targets, but it's news to me about Henrik Larsson."

Your Comments

davo1983 (Tottenham Hotspur fan)

"i dont think any of this is spurs holding berbatov to ransom - of course Ramos, Levy, Comolli want him to stay and will say that publically if they came out and said no we want rid they wouldnt be very professional. As the record goes Man Utd offered one bid of 20.5million this was two low and before the transfer request came in. Since then we have heard of no other bids, but alot of media muscle flexing and postering from both sides. If Ferguson came to Levy with 25mill bid tomorrow I'm sure berbatov would be off. But alas no bid no player, no one is holding anyone captive here. "

Roofan (Manchester United fan)

"I say we should sign Arshavin just out of spite :D"

Tappman (Manchester United fan)

"PoolBear, The difference is that Berbatov has said he wants to leave and has handed in a transfer request - he is almost at the point of no return. Ronaldo said "He'd like to play for Real Madrid one day" and the rest was all media stints made up by Calderon. Berbatov has no desire at all to play for Spurs or any loyalty to Ramos...Why should he stay?"

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