Berbatov On The Brink Of United Switch - Report

Berbatov has been a long-term target of Manchester United, who first made a move for the Bulgarian last summer, but were rebuffed by Tottenham at the time.

The Red Devils have come back in for the classy front-man this summer, though Spurs have been aggressive in their attempts to keep the player at the club. With the asking price thought to be in excess of £30 million, United have done their utmost to negotiate with the Lilywhites down to a lower price to little avail.

Fleeting interest from Barcelona disappeared almost a month ago when they failed to offload Samuel Eto'o, while Bayern Munich emerged as late contenders for his signature.

However, on the final day of the deadline the saga has surged to further levels of absurdity, as Manchester City - United's local rivals and fresh from their second major money takeover in as many years - had a British record bid of over £30 million accepted by Tottenham.

Meanwhile United, who have not had a bid accepted, have reportedly been holding talks with the 27-year-old at their training ground, Carrington, and even having a medical with the double-winners, according to Sky Sports News. This prompted Tottenham to reiterate in an official statement that United had not been given permission to speak to the player.

Real Madrid were fleetingly linked with a move for the former Bayer Leverkusen man, as Bernd Schuster continues his search for a striker and possibly let Robinho leave for Chelsea as a result, but all such reports have been denied directly by the club.

United could face legal action should it emerge that they have illegally approached the player, while Manchester City are in a strong position to seal his signature, though Berbatov appears to have his sights set on Champions League football with Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Sir Alex Ferguson and United chief executive David Gill have been at Old Trafford this evening and Berbatov has been caught on camera arriving at the ground at approximately 2100 BST, pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson after completing a medical.

Spurs have yet to comment on the current status of the transfer.

Brian O'Ryan, Goal.com