Red frustration: Spurs won't budge on Berba fee

The ongoing Dimitar Berbatov transfer saga has taken another dramatic twist. A move looked inevitable at the start of the week with the player reportedly handing his bosses a transfer request before being left out of Spurs' starting XI for the game at Middlesbrough. However, Tottenham Hotspur still won’t budge on a £30million valuation which could prompt United to look elsewhere.

In a Ronaldo-esque interview, the Bulgarian hinted that a switch to Old Trafford would be a "dream move" for him. Following a mixed reaction from the Spuds' travelling faithful at the Riverside, a high-profile switch to the European champions looked almost inevitable.

However, the North London club are showing great resolve and are refusing to budge on a £30million asking price. The Glazer takeover and the debt that came with it means United cannot afford to splash out such a lucrative fee - which leaves the deal in a great deal of doubt.

Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate to add another striker to his ranks but may have to turn his attentions elsewhere. Ajax's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is still being linked, whilst Fergie was at Goodison Park last Saturday supposedly keeping a close eye on Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz.