Spurs will let Berbatov rot in reserves unless they get £30m

Angry Tottenham last night vowed not to buckle in theirwar of attrition over Dimitar Berbatov - despite him sulking his way out of Juande Ramos' plans.

Manchester United are increasingly confident of landing Berbatov for up to £25million before next Monday's transfer deadline.

A narrow win at Pompey last night again underlined United's lack of cutting edge up front and their need for the Bulgarian.

Ramos wants the mess resolved, freeing the way for him to bring in the two strikers he needs - but White Hart Lane chief Daniel Levy refuses to roll over. Levy is determined to reject any bids for less than £30m out of hand - even if that means seeing the chance of a deal slip by. And the hardening mood in the Tottenham hierarchy could see Berbatov left on the sidelines with nobody to play for.

He was dropped from the side which lost to Sunderland on Saturday after his training ground attitude on Friday stank the place out.

Senior players have had enough of the saga and Berbatov's petulant, sulky behaviour - and have urged Ramos to draw a line under the whole affair.

But with United, believing the latest turn of events has strengthened their hand, determined to force Tottenham to the table on their terms, the game of brinkmanship is set to rumble on.

Spurs believe that their bottom line figure is a realistic valuation, despite Ramos publicly accusing the striker of having his mind turned by United's desire to land him.

And with Berbatov having rendered himself unselectable by his behaviour, Spurs insist they are willing to see the deadline pass with no deal, even if that means the moody forward being left in the limbo of reserve team football.

For transfer stories and rumours throughout the day, check out our Football Spy blog

Manage your own football team - Click here to sign up to our Fantasy Football game...