Berbatov to leave in the summer - Fergie
Published 18:08 14/03/12 By David McDonnell
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is ready to offload Manchester United’s record signing Dimitar Berbatov.
Berbatov, who cost £30.75million from Tottenham in 2008, has fallen down the pecking order at United and is now fourth-choice striker.
Although Ferguson said United would trigger a clause to extend Berbatov’s contract by another 12 months, he said he will listen to offers for the 31-year-old, who has made just 11 starts this season.
With Berbatov out of contract this summer, United will activate the clause to ensure they get some kind of fee – in the region of £8million – by letting him go.
“We will be taking up the option on his contract,” said Ferguson.
“But I understand that he wants to get first-team football, which is difficult for me to guarantee and it’s something we need to consider at the end of this season.”
Berbatov was last season’s joint top scorer, with Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez, in the Premier League with 20 goals.
Ferguson confirmed Berbatov is again set to miss out tomorrow against Athletic Bilbao as United look to overturn a 3-2 deficit from last week's home encounter.
"He could play tomorrow but I have good options in terms of front players with Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney," said Ferguson.
