Berbatov can be an asset for a top club, insists Fergie

Dimitar Berbatov will leave Manchester United during the summer with a ringing tribute from Sir Alex Ferguson. 

The 31-year-old Bulgaria striker, signed from Tottenham for £30million on transfer deadline day nearly four years ago, is unhappy because he cannot be guaranteed a first-team place at Old Trafford. 

Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and his former club, Bayer Leverkusen, are ready to fight for his signature, and Sir Alex said: 'Berba is a top, top player who has years left at the highest level.'

Memorable among his four Premier League hat-tricks, the last coming against Wigan on Boxing Day last year, was when he became the first non- Englishman to score five goals in a league match, in the 7-1 defeat of Blackburn in November 2010 - the season he shared the Golden Boot with Carlos Tevez. 

But the Bulgarian, since being left out of Sir Alex's squad for last year's European Cup final - which United lost 3-1 to Barcelona - has made only spasmodic first-team appearances, mainly off the bench. 

Ferguson has preferred the likes of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez partnering Wayne Rooney. 

'The boss is very reluctant to lose a player of Berbatov's calibre - but he recognises he cannot offer him first-team football every week,' said a United source.

Berbatov, Owen to headline Man Utd clearout

Manchester United are set for a mini clearout this summer.

The Mirror says Dimitar Berbatov looks like being the most high-profile departure from Manchester United, after chief David Gill confirmed the squad would be overhauled.

Berbatov, the club’s record £30.75million signing, can leave this summer and he could be followed by fellow strikers Michael Owen - whose contract is up in June - Bebe and Federico Macheda, plus midfielder Anderson.

Galatasaray convinced of agreement for Man Utd striker Berbatov

Galatasaray hope to make Dimitar Berbatov their big name signing for the summer market.

Berbatov will leave United at the end of the season and his agent Emil Danchev has declared personal terms have already been agreed with an unnamed club.

Fanatik says Berba will be moving to Gala, where coach Fatih Terim is eager to work with the Bulgaria international.

Gala have high hopes of making a big impact in the Champions League next season and are counting on Berba leading their attack.

Berbatov opens door to Bulgaria return

Dimitar Berbatov is open to returning to the international stage with Bulgaria.

Lubo Penev has been named new coach of Bulgaria.

And Berbatov said: "You need an invitation to be able to return somewhere. I have not spoken to the new coach, I cannot even congratulate him on his appointment.

"But he knows how he can reach me."

Berbatov in Germany for fitness check

Dimitar Berbatov is committed to Manchester United.

The Daily Mail says Berbatov returned to training at United on Thursday, with sources close to the Bulgarian insisting that the purpose of a two-day trip to Germany was to see his personal fitness trainer and not discuss a return to Bayer Leverkusen.

Berbatov is free to talk to foreign clubs because his current deal runs out at the end of the season, but United’s offer of a one-year extension means they will be due a transfer fee if he leaves Old Trafford this summer.

Anzhi join battle for striker Berbatov

Anzhi Makhachkala are eyeing striker Dimitar Berbatov.

The Daily Mail says Anzhi have joined the chase for Berbatov as they seek a strike partner for Cameroon star Samuel Eto'o.

Berbatov was the club's top scorer last season but has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford with the emergence of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez.

But boss Alex Ferguson insists Berbatov will be offered a one-year extension.

Berba: I was told by United that they need me

Dimitar Berbatov is not going anywhere in January — except up the scoring charts.

The Manchester United striker last night confirmed he will be staying at Old Trafford despite starting only TWO Premier League games this season.

Manager Alex Ferguson yesterday revealed the Bulgarian hitman will be offered a one-year contract extension.

Berbatov himself insisted there was never any question of him moving — not even to his old club Bayer Leverkusen, who want him back.

He said: "There are always rumours about my future and some clubs are interested.

"But last summer I was told by United that they need me — and that was good enough for me.

"As a professional I want to play in every game so I need to exploit all chances so no one can doubt my work."

Berbatov, 30, was joint top scorer in the Premier League last term — level with Carlos Tevez on 21 goals. He had to wait until last week to grab his first league goal this season — and is now set on making up for lost time.

Injuries have thrust him back into the spotlight and he has five goals in his last four outings in all competitions — with four in two games including a Boxing Day hat-trick against Wigan.

Today he expects to face Blackburn — and last year he walloped FIVE past them. The Bulgaria star added: "That was a magical day I'll always remember because it is not easy to score five goals in the Premier League.

"During my career I have won many trophies and awards and have kept my hat-trick balls to remind me of those big days. It's a great sensation.

"But five goals. That's the kind of thing that only comes along once in your sporting life ... but I'll be trying again if picked against Blackburn.

"My worse moments are when I know the starting XI and I am not on the list.

"My objective in training is always clear — to give myself a chance of making the team.

"Obviously I want to play but it is very complicated in a squad as good as United's, especially in attack.

"But when I'm on the bench I am full of tension because at any moment the chance to play might arrive. I'm never relaxed.

"I think I have fulfilled my obligation with six goals this season set against the time I've actually spent on the field.

"But my challenge is to play, score goals and to help us get more victories."

Berbatov's great run of form has helped United draw level with neighbours City at the top.

He added: "People believed after our loss in the Manchester derby the title was over. But we've taken our chances since and now we are level.

"Blackburn are at the bottom but I can't see any comfortable games between now and the end of the season."

Fergie: Berba’s going nowhere

Alex Ferguson has told Dimitar Berbatov he will be staying at Manchester United for another year.

The Bulgarian's contract is due to expire in the summer but the champions have an option to extend it by a further year.

He would, in theory, be free to talk to other clubs from tomorrow but Fergie says United will not be unloading Berba, 30, who scored four goals in two games over Christmas.

Ferguson said: "We have an option which we'll be exercising. I think it kicks in in March."

The former Tottenham man shared the Golden Boot last year but has fallen behind Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck in the United pecking order.

But Ferguson saluted Berbatov, saying: "He got the hat-trick against Wigan, he's a fantastic talent. He never complains or misses training.

"And he's a finisher, he got 21 last season. If he can get that again this year we'll all be delighted.

"He's got six from limited appearances so his ratio is very good. You can't be surprised by a player with that ability."

Bayer Leverkusen angry over rumours for Man Utd striker Berbatov

Bayer Leverkusen chief Wolfgang Holzhauser has shut down talk of re-signing Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Holzhauser admits he's upset by the speculation comments earlier this week have sparked.

"This is pure speculation," asserted Holzhauser to news agency DPA. "Also, we do not want to get involved as the Bulgarian is currently under contract with Manchester United.

"I view this [the speculation] with some displeasure," Holzhauser continued. "The contact between Berbatov and I was only based on a friendly nature."

Agent admits no Man Utd news over Berbatov contract

The agent of Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov admits there's been no movement over new contract talks.

Berbatov's current deal expires in June and though United have the option to renew it for 12 months, he is still free to speak to interested clubs from next month.

"I do not like commenting on the rumors, but I can tell you that I never had any contact with Juventus nor Napoli," Emil Dantchev told Calciomercato.it.

"A sale in January? I have not spoken with Manchester United about this possibility, so I cannot tell you if this track is viable or not.

"Does he like the Italian league? Of course, like all major European leagues, English, German, Spanish and French, but that means nothing."

Berbatov ready to choose Fulham over Anzhi

Fulham are eyeing a loan move for Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.

The People says United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could allow Berbatov to leave in January, but if he cannot find a big-money buyer, then Jol is keen on a temporary­ deal.

Berba’s poor display in the 2-1 midweek Carling Cup defeat by Crystal Palace­ is likely to push him closer to the exit door at Old Trafford.

The Bulgarian, 30, has started only one Premier League match this season and is behind Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck in the pecking order – with Michael Owen also in the picture.

Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala want Berbatov, but he would rather stay in a major European league.

Craven Cottage gaffer Jol signed Berbatov for Tottenham in 2006 and the frontman enjoyed the best season of his career working under the Dutchman.

Galatasaray tell Berbatov to drop personal demands

Galatasaray are locked in talks with striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Fanatik says Gala remain keen, but not at the terms demanded by United nor the player.

United are willing to sell Berba in January for £10 million, while the Bulgarian is seeking a multi-season deal worth £5 million-a-year.

Gala have pulled back from negotiations with officials believing the terms too rich for a player over 30 years of age.

Berbatov set for Man United stay as Fergie reveals he wants to keep out-of-favour forward

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United are likely to activate a clause in Dimitar Berbatov's contract that will keep him at Old Trafford for another year. 

The £30.75million record signing has found his appearances limited this season as both Javier Hernandez and Daniel Welbeck have forced their way into Ferguson's plans on a regular basis.

This has led to speculation Ferguson may look to unload the 30-year-old during the January transfer window. 

However, the United boss insists that will not happen. Instead it seems Ferguson is more likely to offer the additional year, which United have the unilateral option to do. 

'Dimitar is still in my thoughts,' said Ferguson. 'I have read some things but there is absolutely no reason for me to let him go.

'He is an outstanding footballer and we will give the extra year. 

'It is unfortunate the form of Javier Hernandez over the last year has been outstanding but he (Berbatov) plays a great role and he trains well. 

'He has no complaints. The boy is a great professional and we are happy for him to be here. 

'You need a good number of strikers in the modern day. If you look back to 1999, we had four great strikers. They all played their part. 

'That is exactly what will happen today.'

Agent reveals Man Utd's Berbatov eager to hear from Anzhi

Anzhi are interested in Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.

The Daily Mail says Anzhi are reviving their interest in Berbatov.

The Bulgarian, 30, is likely to be offloaded in January with his contract running out next summer.

Galatasaray have also shown strong interest but his agent Emil Danchev said: "We would be interested when Anzhi make a concrete offer.

"We will sit down with Dimitar and ponder this. I don’t know if Dimitar is happy in Manchester. He plays, then he just sits on the bench."

Napoli targets striker Berbatov

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis is keeping tabs on striker Dimitar Berbatov's situation.

The Bulgaria international comes off contract in June, though United have the option to extend it a further year.

De Laurentiis is interested in bringing Berbatov to Italy in January in the event they become under increasing pressure to sell star man Edinson Cavani.

PSG and Galatasaray are also interested in Berbatov.

PSG chief Leonardo makes Man Utd striker Berbatov priority target

PSG chief Leonardo wants to bring Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov to France in 2011.

Berbatov is off contract in June and if United refuse to sell in January, Leonardo will push to secure the Bulgarian to a pre-contract ahead of a Bosman move at the end of the season.

French sources say Leonardo has made Berba's capture a priority and will test United's resolve in January with an offer of £8 million.

PSG have just extended the contract of Mevlut Erdinc to 2015, but Leonardo also wants Berba.

Berbatov capable as a defender says Owen

Michael Owen believes Dimitar Berbatov could make an accomplished defender after seeing his performance for Manchester United last night.

The Bulgarian striker twice cleared off the line early in the 3-0 Carling Cup win at Leeds United before moving to central defence when youngster Ezekiel Fryers came off with cramp late in the match.

Owen, who scored twice in the win, said Berbatov sometimes plays a similar role in training and was not surprised to see him do well when required down back.

"Berba can play there," said Owen.

"He does it occasionally in training. It was no surprise when he put his hand up and said he would do it."

Ferguson hails Berbatov attitude: He has been brilliant

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Dimitar Berbatov for the attitude shown for the start of the season.

Despite Danny Welbeck’s emergence and Javier Hernandez’s return to fitness giving the manager more options in attack, the Bulgarian’s attitude has been exemplary.

With Michael Owen also back in full training, the competition is probably as tough for a place in the forward line as anywhere within the champions' star-studded squad.

“Berbatov has been brilliant,” Ferguson told manutd.com. “His handling of the situation has been terrific. He’s not complained one bit.

“He’s a really good professional and he’ll play his part, like all the players on the team. It won’t be at this moment in time because the space between games is good. Then we’ve got the international break for two weeks and, when they come back, the European games start up and Berbatov will be involved as he’s got the experience and the ability to play a big part.”

PSG coach Leonardo: United turn down £12m bid for Berbatov

Paris St Germain coach Leonardo has confirmed he made an approach for Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.

PSG were ready to offer £12m, however, Sir Alex Ferguson told the French club's new coach that the 30-year-old was staying at Old Trafford.

Leonardo said: 'I had Ferguson on the phone but he told me that he was counting on Berbatov and that he was not for sale.'

Dimitar Berbatov feels providing entertainment is his duty

Dimitar Berbatov has revealed he feels is his main duty as a player in Premier League is providing entertainment.

The former Tottenham hit-man and leading goalscorer last season, admitted that he often gets bored with dull matches, prompting him to turn of his television.

The Buglarian said he would much rather watch exciting, attacking matches.

Speaking to MUTV, Berbatov explained: "I am always ready to entertain.

"It's because, when I watch a game I don't like to see people falling asleep during it if it's a boring game.

"Even if I watch a game, if it's boring for me, it doesn't matter if it's Real Madrid, Barcelona or some other big club playing, I just switch off the TV.

"I don't like boring games, I want entertainment and that's what the fans want as well.

"That's what we try to give them and I can only speak about myself and try to give entertainment to everybody.

"It doesn't matter if it's a goal or the way I play, this is the first thing I try to do and that is what the boss is trying to tell us before games as well.

"I like to enjoy the game even though we must work hard and concentrate as well."