Berbatov makes about turn on quitting Man Utd

Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov celebrates after scoring a goal. (AFP)

Published Wednesday, July 04, 2012

By Staff

Dimitar Berbatov is prepared to see out the last year of his Manchester United contract rather than take a pay-cut.

Turkish giants Galatasaray have confirmed their interest in Berbatov, joining France's Paris Saint-Germain, his previous club Tottenham and Italians Lazio in tracking United's record £30.75 million signing, according to the Mirror.

Berbatov, 31, wants to quit Old Trafford after being frozen out by Sir Alex Ferguson, but is not prepared to accept a reduction from his current £90,000-a-week salary.

United value him at £6m after extending his contract by 12 months, meaning he would cost around £15m in wages and transfer fee if another club signed him on a two-year deal.

Galatasaray president Unal Aysal feels Berbatov, who was the Premier League's joint-top scorer in 2010-11, would be a great acquisition for the Istanbul side.

"The Bulgarian is a great forward," said Aysal. "I want him to join us but, of course, coach Fatih Terim has the final word."

Ferguson is happy to keep the Bulgarian around, because he needs a fourth striker as cover for Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez after deciding not to re-sign Michael Owen.

The United boss also confirmed Berbatov will go on United's pre-season tour of South Africa and China later this month, and says he understands his frustration at not playing.

"Nothing has happened (transfer-wise) with Dimitar and he'll join the tour," said Fergie. "He's a fantastic footballer.

"It wasn't a great season for him last season, partly because I settled more with Rooney and Welbeck and Chicharito."

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