Sir Alex Ferguson hasn’t mentioned Dimitar Berbatov’s name, for fear of incurring the wrath of Daniel Levy, however has suggested the deal could be off.

“I’m feeling less optimistic right now,” said Ferguson. “We are looking at something, but if it doesn’t come off then we will carry on as we are.”

Does this mean the deal is off or is Fergie just playing hard to get?

Berbatov has almost made his situation at Spurs untenable, with his persistent comments about wanting to leave as well his recent United shirt signing stunt (which RoM readers are currently split over).

Spurs lost their opening game of the season with Berbatov featuring for just 25 minutes, with Darren Bent playing as Spurs’ only striker, and their goal coming from the head of opposition defender Robert Huth.

With limited striking options, after selling Robbie Keane to the ‘disgraceful’ Liverpool, Spurs are in a bit of a tricky situation. Do they keep a player who is desperate to leave and who isn’t afraid to throw a temper tantrum? Or do they sell him on to a club even if their financial evaluation hasn’t been met?

There is just a week remaining until the transfer window closes, meaning if Spurs were to sell, they would be short on time finding a replacement. They have been linked with Diego Forlan, who had a poor stint in the Premiership with United before making a success of his career in Spain, although no doubt Atletico Madrid will want big money for the striker they spent £16 million on a year ago, scoring 23 goals last season.

Ferguson could be expressing his doubt over a deal to put Spurs on their toes, who I imagine must be pretty keen to get rid of Berbatov if the price is right, or it could be a genuine concern from our manager, who sees our changes of signing the Bulgarian slipping away.

Do you think a deal with be agreed on upon before September 1st?