United are set to depart on their pre-season tour of South Africa on Thursday but say they will not be rushed into paying over-the-odds for the 27-year-old Tottenham revelation.

It is thought the Red Devils have already made a bid for the Bulgarian international, thought to be somewhere in the region of 20million pounds plus add-ons, who has made no secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford.

Berbatov's arrival would be likely to lead to the departure of Louis Saha - the Frenchman could even travel the other way if Tottenham are interested.

Former Spurs manager Martin Jol has also commented that the player made little secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford.