ACCORDING to media reports Spurs manager Juande Ramos is believed to have conducted one of his most important bits of negotiating by persuading prize-asset Dimitar Berbatov to stay.
Spanish coach Ramos may make wholesale changes to his squad next season at White Hart Lane, although he appears to believe Bulgarian frontman Berbatov is the man to build his new side around.
The 27-year-old former CSKA Sofia striker has been a massive hit with the north London club since joining from Bayer Leverkusen for £10.9million in July 2006. Berbatov already has 20 goals this season to go with the 23 he got in his first campaign at the Lane.
According to a report in the Dail Mail today: 'Ramos has reassured Berbatov that he will be spending big in the transfer market in the summer to ensure Spurs can challenge for a top four place in the Premier League as well as in the cups.
'The former Bayer Leverkusen star is desperate to play in Europe's premier club competition, but has been impressed by the impact Ramos has made since he arrived from Sevilla in October, especially with the club's victory in the Carling Cup.
'He has two years left on his current deal with an option for another two years and Ramos has told close friends he expects him to stay at the club despite interest from Manchester United.' If true the news will come as a huge boost to Tottenham fans, who are still getting over the heartache of seeing their side exit the Uefa Cup on penalties at PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
Meanwhile defender Pascal Chimbonda, who missed the crucial penalty in the shoot-out could be one of many players shown the exit door at the Lane.
The French international didn't endear himself to Ramos or Spurs fans alike when he stropped off the Wembley pitch after being substituted in the recent Carling Cup final win over Chelsea.
The arrival of Scottish defender Alan Hutton from Rangers in January, has seen the former Wigan full-back lose his favoured right sided place in the team, and with Ramos well covered on the left side as well Chimbonda could be on his way in the summer clear-out.
How important is it that Dimitar Berbatov stays at Spurs if they are to mount a serious challenge to the Big Four in England next season? Have your say below...
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