Tottenham find preferred Berba bidder

Barcelona could rival Man Utd for Dimitar Berbatov's signature after reportedly expressing an interest in the player to Spurs.

The 27-year-old Bulgarian has been recommended to Barcelona officials by his countryman Hristo Stoichkov - a legendary ex-player at the Nou Camp.

Berbatov is widely tipped to leave White Hart Lane after two seasons, during which time he has become one of the hottest strikers in the Premiership.

Spurs are aware that Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson is an admirer but would prefer not to sell to any of their rivals - so they would welcome serious interest from Spain.

The Catalan giants are said to have established a good relationship with Tottenham during recent negotiations over Giovani dos Santos and could be set to kick off the auction for the £25million-rated Berbatov.