Ferguson admits Berbatov will leave as he intensifies Van Persie chase
Sir Alex Ferguson says Dimitar Berbatov will depart the club this summer as he prepares to step up his chase of Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie the Daily Mail reports.
Berbatov has professed his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer after struggling to nail down a starting slot last season falling behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez.
Ferguson was full of praise for the 31-year-old Bulgarian hinting that he could be on his way to Galatasaray for £5million or even make a sensational return to former club Tottenham Hotspur, who sold him to United for £30m in 2008.
“I do not need to herald the abilities of Dimitar Berbatov, he is a fantastic talent,” said Ferguson. “Last season he didn’t quite get the amount of football he wants. At his age, it was difficult for him to accept his position in the forward line.
“He had Rooney, Welbeck and Hernandez in front of him, and they are all young men. The boy has a future, but if he wants to leave it is a different matter.
“I am easy about it if he stays. I would be happy with that. But if someone comes in and Dimitar wants to leave, we will assess it.”
On Tuesday his agent Emil Dantchev also revealed there was interest from Serie A on : “Dimitar likes Serie A and would be happy to discuss a move [to AC Milan].”
It’s expected that Ferguson will now move for Van Persie following his revelation earlier this month that he won’t be extending his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
The 28-year-old has a year left on his current deal and has Manchester City and Juventus vying for his signature but the Red Devils boss is now ready to nip in and steal him from under their noses.
