Agent: Berbatov ready to quit Tottenham
Dimitar Berbatov wants to leave Tottenham if a suitable offer from a club 'which matches his ambition' comes in during the January transfer window, according to comments attributed to the Bulgarian star's agent.
The striker has rediscovered his stunning form for Spurs in recent weeks and fired four goals in the 6-4 win over Reading on Saturday.
However, his agent Emil Dantchev claims the player is keen to join a team with greater trophy-winning potential than the north Londoners.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has insisted they are not a selling club, but Dantchev is reported to have told The Sun: 'I have already spoken to the Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and told him that if a club which corresponds to Dimitar's class and ambition comes in with an offer which suits his current club in January, he would like to be allowed to go.
'I would like to stress this is not about money, this is about sporting ambition, nor has it anything to do with the new manager Juande Ramos. Dimitar is perfectly happy with Ramos and the way he is working but after Tottenham's bad start to the season it is unlikely they will have the chance to do something big this season.'
Manchester United have been linked with Berbatov in the past, but Spurs have always been firm in stating he is not for sale.
Dantchev added: 'Dimitar is OK at Tottenham. I would not say he is happy but his performances for the club are a testament to his commitment to the fans and his team-mates. He has never stopped trying and scoring goals to help the team.
'Fans must understand Dimitar is 27 next month and time is running out for him to play for a club which can match his ambition.
'It is a long-term plan for Spurs. Dimitar wants to fulfil his potential and win trophies now. He would definitely consider a move outside of England, that is not the issue. What matters is a club which matches his ambition and his level, and therefore there are only five or six around Europe. Two clubs outside of England and one from the Premier League are interested in him.'
Levy said yesterday: 'Once again for the record, we are not a selling club, rather we are building for the future. When we have players on long contracts we have no need to entertain offers.'
BERBATOV WANTS A MOVE - AGENT
Tottenham could face a fight to keep star striker Dimitar Berbatov during the January transfer window.
Chairman Daniel Levy insists the club will not listen to offers for key players during the transfer window, but Berbatov's agent Emil Dantchev is quoted as saying he has spoken to Levy and told him the striker wants to leave if a "suitable" offer comes in.
The 26-year-old striker has rediscovered his stunning form for Spurs in recent weeks and fired four goals in the 6-4 win over Reading on Saturday.
However, Dantchev claims the player is keen to join a team with greater trophy-winning potential than the north Londoners.
The agent is reported to have told The Sun: "I have already spoken to the Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and told him that if a club which corresponds to Dimitar's class and ambition comes in with an offer which suits his current club in January, he would like to be allowed to go.
"I would like to stress this is not about money, this is about sporting ambition, nor has it anything to do with the new manager Juande Ramos. Dimitar is perfectly happy with Ramos and the way he is working but after Tottenham's bad start to the season it is unlikely they will have the chance to do something big this season."
Spurs' position could not be more contrasting, with Levy insisting: "Once again for the record, we are not a selling club, rather we are building for the future.
"When we have players on long contracts we have no need to entertain offers."
Spurs have been linked with a host of signings since the appointment of Juande Ramos as head coach.
But Levy is not anticipating radical changes in January, despite a poor defensive record, and has stressed that Spurs will only look at "essential" deals.
Levy said: "Juande, (sporting director) Damien (Comolli) and I have reviewed the squad and Juande feels that we are not looking at any major changes.
"We are all clear that the January window is the worst time to buy quality players so we shall not be doing any business that is not essential."
Ramos, Levy and Comolli have already sanctioned the move for Chris Gunter from Cardiff, while Ajax's Urby Emanuelson has been suggested as a possible target from sources in Holland.
Darren Bent was linked with a move to West Ham last week but Spurs were keen to stress that they wish to keep the £16.5million striker, who arrived in the summer from Charlton.
Chelsea are closing in on a deal this month for Nicolas Anelka, but the other surprise name on Avram Grant's long-term wanted list is the Reading striker Kevin Doyle, considered a bright enough prospect for the next year.
Twizzle said:1 all, away draw, not the worst result
very disappointing after leading for most of the game, very fortunate goal to the gooners, seemed to come off either Walcott's head or his hand
very good tight game non the less
bling_fc said:Off chest :roll:
Keane celebrates with 100th Spurs goal
2 hours ago
Robbie Keane scored his 100th goal for Tottenham to help them defeat Sunderland 2-0 at White Hart Lane.
Keane's goal came in stoppage time after Spurs had to withstand second-half pressure from Sunderland in the Barclays Premier League clash.
Aaron Lennon scored on his 100th appearance for Spurs for the opener and the hosts threatened to run riot, only for Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon to keep the visitors in the game.
Roy Keane's men had a goal disallowed, and heroic defending by Michael Dawson ended a run of two league defeats in a row for Spurs.
Juande Ramos clearly had Tuesday's Carling Cup clash with Arsenal in mind and the likes of Ledley King were not in the squad, while Keane was on the bench and made to wait for his moment to record his ton.
Even so, the decision to give Jermain Defoe the captain's armband was surprising, particularly with Jermaine Jenas and Dawson kept in the starting line-up.
Despite their unfamiliar appearance, Spurs were ahead in the second minute. Jamie O'Hara's perseverance created the chance.
After battling for the ball on the left flank, Paul McShane's clearance struck Lee Young-Pyo and fell kindly for the midfielder. O'Hara's cross missed Dimitar Berbatov and Danny Collins but Lennon prodded past Gordon.
It was then a case of Spurs attacking and Gordon doing everything possible to keep them at bay.
Radek Cerny had to save from Michael Chopra's header and Jones was denied by a Dawson block with the rebound. Cerny also denied Liam Miller, then Keane's shot squirmed under Gordon for his landmark goal in the closing stages.