Berbatov played 20 minutes as a substitute at Middlesbrough and was included at all on the weekend as Spurs fell to a second successive defeat.

Reports coming out of White Hart Lane suggest the player is having an increasingly negative influence on the dressing room. Arguably, this has been reflected in Hotspur's woeful start to the season with the North London club still searching for their first point of the season.

The Bulgarian has made no secret of his desire to leave the club. In a Ronaldo-esque interview, he hinted that a swap for Old Trafford would be a "dream move".

However, Spurs are refusing to let the player's behaviour affect his value on the transfer market. Thus far, Ramos and club chairman Dan Levy have refused to budge on a £30million asking price whilst United, strapped with Glazer debt, value the player at nearer £20million.

Spurs are still interested in bringing Euro 2008 star Andrei Arshavin - the Russian international who can operate on the flank, in attacking midfield or, essentially, as a second striker. However, they have lacked the financial clout to meet Zenit St.Petersburg's valuation of the 27-year-old. Selling Berbatov could well reignite a deal for the Leningrad-born star.

The transfer window set to close at midnight on September 1^st. If they will sell Berbatov, which looks increasingly likely, it is not in the club's interest to wait much longer. Whether United want a player who appears to have caused such disruption in Spurs' dressing room is another issue but a deal for the striker - at a compromise price - is looking more and more likely.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS