The Mirror says Ferguson tried to sign Berbatov last summer but Tottenham refused to sell the Bulgarian striker.

Spurs are still reluctant to let him go and have placed a £30million price tag on his head to deter suitors.

But the United boss is ready to make a fresh £23m bid in an effort to team him up with Wayne Rooney.

Although Fergie has around £50m to spend, United are not prepared to pay over the odds for Berbatov, 27.