Tottenham Hotspur are stalling on the transfer of Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United in a bid to force the fee up to £30million.
United’s initial of £20million for the Bulgarian was rejected by Spurs last month but the two clubs have continued to negotiate in private.
Last week it was thought that a £28million deal was close to completion but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is now believed to be prepared to make United sweat by holding out for £30million.
Berbatov, who is now away on international duty with Bulgaria, has voiced his frustration at the hold-ups. “I’m still a Tottenham player, but no one can disagree with me wanting to follow my dream,” he was quoted as saying.
The delay on the Berbatov deal is affecting the possible move of Andrei Arshavin, according to the Russian player’s agent. Dennis Lachter said that Tottenham will not be able to buy Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg until they have completed a deal with United for Berbatov.
“Andrei would love to go to England but if it stays like this, there will be no deal,” Lachter said. “Zenit will not sell for a penny less than 25 million euros and Tottenham will not go above 22 million.”
