Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is to start his summer spending by bringing Dimitar Berbatov to Old Trafford.

With Berbatov's stellar 2007/08 campaign for Tottenham Hotspur still fresh in the memory, the United hierarchy are keener than ever to acquire the Bulgarian striker's services in a deal that is reported to be in the region of US$50million.

The one-time CSKA Sofia favourite, who joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen for half his current asking price in 2006, is seen as an ideal leader of the line for a United side still celebrating last season's Barclays Premier League and Champions League double.

Tottenham recently offered Berbatov a new US$140,000-a-week mega deal in a bid to force the issue with the White Hart Lane hitman after rumours linking him with a move away from north London failed to disappear.

However, Berbatov's agent, Emil Dantchev, has already revealed that his client wishes to play in the next edition of the Champions League, news that has made United - who also look set to sign Argentina international Carlos Tevez on a permanent deal - favourites to land the 27-year-old forward.

Berbatov notched 23 goals in 52 appearances for Spurs last season, an impressive tally that included a penalty during the club's Carling Cup success against Chelsea.

By Ian Griffiths (Editor - espnstar.com)