Berbatov could stay, says Spurs sporting director

Dimitar Berbatov could still stay at Tottenham despite the Bulgaria striker’s determination to join Manchester United, according to the club’s sporting director Damien Comolli.

Berbatov was left out of the Spurs squad for last weekend’s defeat against Sunderland after handing in a transfer request, but he has been training with the team this week and Comolli insisted boss Juande Ramos has no desire to lose his star striker.

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.”

Even if Berbatov does stay, Tottenham appear to be pressing ahead with their bid to sign Spartak Moscow striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, who was pictured arriving at London’s Heathrow airport on Friday.

Comolli refused to be drawn on that transfer and added: “We will comment and will let you know when we’ve got news.”