This All Could Have Been So Much Easier

Berbatov at Old Trafford tonight

There’s less than four hours to go and I imagine you, like me, are sitting at your computer desperate for any updates.

If someone had told me yesterday that we’d be in a bidding war with Manchester City, believed to be around £33 million, for Dimitar Berbatov, I would have laughed in their face. Is this really happening?

All summer we have gone back and forth with Tottenham Hotspur, lodging two official bids but getting no joy. Spurs value the player at £30 million, whilst United were intent in spending ‘only’ £25 million.

So in an attempt to save us a few quid, we’ve put off finalising the deal until the last day of the transfer window. Spurs aren’t even playing Berbatov any more and have already spent the money they will get from his transfer, so obviously they want to sell him. United figured they’d try their luck and see just how badly Spurs wanted to sell him. Badly enough to lower their asking price by a few million?

This is a plan that would have worked as well… if not for City being bought by multi-millionaires who are willing to splash their cash on everyone! As as well bidding for Berbatov, their owner claims they have also tried to sign David Villa and Mario Gomez.

Now that City have had their bid accepted and seemingly United haven’t offered any more money, we’re left to wait and see what happens as the clock ticks down.

Is the fact that United haven’t made another bid indication that they’re not interested in stumping up cash for another British record this summer? Did Berbatov have talks and complete a medical at Carrington without Spurs’ permission? Only time will tell I suppose.

However, United will be left to regret not stumping up the cash earlier, as now, if we do manage to sign the player, we are looking at an even larger transfer fee than Spurs were initally looking for.

I will keep you updated.

edit. 9.05pm Sky Sports News say Berbatov has completed the medical and is returning to Carrington. And apparently a year long loan for Campbell to Spurs has been agreed. But your guess is as good as mine.

edit. 9.40 Sky Sports News showed footage of a very happy Berbatov at Old Trafford now shaking hands with David Gill.

edit. 10.45pm Sky Sports News showed more footage of Berbatov still at United in an office with David Gill. Suggestion is the deal is done. Watch this space!

edit. 12.10 am The transfer window has closed and whilst it is believed the deal has gone through, we’ve yet to hear any official confirmation.