[funkdoctorspock]

... and so it begins. I figured that the press would wait until the transfer window opened before starting this mess, but go figure.

I really would like United to buck the temptation to get em. He's cup tied, he's a malcontent and imo he's not the striker we need with the current strikers we already have.

I'll put in bold my favourite part of the article. Had a great laugh about it.

'Ambitious' Bulgarian ready to quit Spurs says representative

Dimitar Berbatov wants to quit Tottenham if a club "which matches his ambition" makes a suitable offer says the Bulgarian star's agent.

The striker hit form 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 says 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."

Performances

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."

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 Ramos as head coach.


Essential

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.
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