United deny making Berbatov bid

Manchester United have rejected claims they have made a bid for Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Berbatov's agent Emil Dantchev has claimed United have been in touch with a firm offer for the Bulgaria international but United have taken the unusual step of denying the story publicly.

"Manchester United is linked with many players in every transfer window," said chief executive David Gill. "The club has categorically not made a bid for Dimitar Berbatov."

Given the unequivocal nature of Gill's statement - and the mere fact he decided to make it - there is clearly no appetite to follow up Sir Alex Ferguson's initial interest, with the United manager himself claiming there would be no more purchases before the transfer window shuts on August 31.

"We made an inquiry about a striker not so long ago. The club concerned would not sell and it remains that way," Ferguson told XFM. "With a week to the transfer deadline, it would be impossible to get anyone else in now."