Berbatov To Man U, Silva Stays at Valencia?

[BrooklynRed]

Both are true, according to ESPN Soccernet...

Berbatov on brink of £28m move to Old Trafford

Manchester United are believed to be on the brink of signing Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Spurs have been holding out for a fee in the region of £38million for their star striker, but it is thought they have now reached agreement with the Premier League champions on a £28million deal. Spurs are closing in on a replacement signing and have also been boosted by the form of striker Darren Bent who has hit 13 goals in pre-season.

The Bulgarian has been tracked by United for months and their conduct had angered the White Hart Lane club, who believe the Red Devils were pursuing a public transfer campaign. United were reported to the FA by Spurs but it is likely any deal would see this complaint withdrawn.

Reports suggest the 27-year-old could be a United player by the time the Premier League kicks off this weekend, with some claiming he was at United's Carrington training ground for talks on Tuesday.

Berbatov has made no secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford, something which has frustrated bosses at Spurs who felt he should have shown more loyalty, and he has been criticised for his lack of application since returning from the summer break. It will come as a second blow in a matter of weeks after Robbie Keane insisted to be given permission to move to Liverpool.

Zenit St Petersburg forward Andrei Arshavin and Spartak Moscow star Roman Pavlyuchenko both remain at the top of coach Juande Ramos' wanted list, and the sale of Berbatov could free up enough funds for the Russian strike pair to be reunited in north London. West Ham United striker Dean Ashton - reportedly told to shed pounds by England coach Fabio Capello - has also been tracked, but a move for David Villa would appear to be doomed to failure.

Berbatov has scored 27 Premier League goals in 63 starts since moving from Bayer Leverkusen but his time at the club has been dogged by transfer rumours and questions over his commitment.

United, meanwhile, have apparently failed with a bid for Valencia's attacking midfielder David Silva - according to the player's agent.

'Manchester United made an offer for David Silva, but this has been turned down by Valencia,' Julio Llorente said. 'Silva doesn't want to play in England because he is happy at Valencia.

'His family are settled and if he was to move it would only be to another Spanish club, like Real Madrid or Barcelona. David Silva will start the new season at Valencia.'

Valencia president Vicente Soriano echoed the sentiment, insisting to Spanish sports tabloid, Marca: 'I can assure you that Villa and Silva will continue this season at Valencia.'

[JohnDoe]

I'm not convinced this is a good signing for the mancs.

Berbatov is a class striker, but Rooney and Tevez have done well together. One of them will be sulking this season, either on the bench or on the wing.

[dww]

I'm not convinced this is a good signing for the mancs.

Berbatov is a class striker, but Rooney and Tevez have done well together. One of them will be sulking this season, either on the bench or on the wing.

I think it is the one thing their squad needed - an alternative to their deeper lying forwards who could provide a focus to attacks. I'm not sure he will be as much of a definite starter as some make out - the sort of strength in depth United have is almost unprecedented if they get Berbatov. IMO they are clear favourites for the title with top players fighting for a position all over the park. Only really Ronaldo, Vidic and Ferdinand are guaranteed starters if fit.

[Joe King]

I can confirm that Silva won't move. My peeps have told me

The London Evening Standard are running the Berbatov story.

[Vermilion]

Silva's Agent has said that a bid from the Scum has been refused, & that Silva has no interest in playing in the Prem.

I wonder if Rafa has been in possession of this information already, i wouldn't be surprised if he knew weeks back that Silva wouldn't come to the Prem for anyone.

Pepe, Torres, Silva, etc, they must talk to each other about such things.

[Joe King]

Rafa will have known. Skrtel will have told him.

[pondus]

Rafa will have known. Skrtel will have told him.

Although it was a copy, I loved the Skrtel thread

[Sisterstiffticket]

Watch us this season. People will be waxing lyrical if we do well after losing Keane AND Berbatov.

Did I use the word IF in there? Should be our motto.

[red g]

Watch us this season. People will be waxing lyrical if we do well after losing Keane AND Berbatov.

Did I use the word IF in there? Should be our motto.

or the word nearly

[Parm]

I'm not convinced this is a good signing for the mancs.

Berbatov is a class striker, but Rooney and Tevez have done well together. One of them will be sulking this season, either on the bench or on the wing.

yup, especially as Fergie has made it known how he appreciated Rooney's sacrifices for the team last season. Will either one of them accept being not only pushed out pf position, but possibly onto the bench?

[Parm]

I think it is the one thing their squad needed - an alternative to their deeper lying forwards who could provide a focus to attacks. I'm not sure he will be as much of a definite starter as some make out - the sort of strength in depth United have is almost unprecedented if they get Berbatov. IMO they are clear favourites for the title with top players fighting for a position all over the park. Only really Ronaldo, Vidic and Ferdinand are guaranteed starters if fit.

hmm, as much as I dont rate Berbatov, I do see your point. Utd had an amazxing strength in depth last year and if they doget Berbatov, well that will make things difficult for everyone to try and catch them. Having said that, Berbatov may disrupt the apparent harmony at utd and ruffle a few feather,s esp if regualrs such as tevez and rooney are benched more than they feel they should be/desevre to be