Football: City lining up pounds 32m Berba bid

MANCHESTER CITY are preparing to table a pounds 32million British record bid for Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

The move for the Bulgarian hitman has already been authorised by City owner Thaksin Shinawatra - despite his recent comments that limited funds will be made available to Sven Goran Eriksson during the summer.

Boss Eriksson is facing fierce competition for Berbatov's signature from city rivals Manchester United and Chelsea but remains confident that City hold a key advantage over their opponents.

Martin Petrov is one of Berbatov's closest friends in football and is keen to link up with one of his best pals.

In fact, Berbatov was furious last summer with former Tottenham boss Martin Jol for failing to sign Petrov.

Although Tottenham are reluctant sellers, the inflated transfer fee and persistent rumours surrounding Berbatov's future at White Hart Lane are likely to lead to a deal being brokered once the season draws to a close.

City's finances will be boosted by the news that they are set to get their money back on Italian misfit Ronaldo Bianchi after Lazio told the Blues they are ready to pay a further pounds 8m to sign him permanently.

Bianchi has been on loan with the Rome club since January after failing to settle at City following his pounds 9m arrival from Reggina last summer.

Copyright 2008 MGN LTD
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.