Dimitar Berbatov Transfer Rumors: Latest Updates on AC Milan & More

Manchester United’s underappreciated forward Dimitar Berbatov is set to leave Old Trafford this summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson recently discussed the situation Berbatov found himself in (via ESPN.com):

"

He had Rooney, Welbeck and Hernandez in front of him, and they are all young men. The boy [Berbatov] has a future, but if he wants to leave it is a different matter. I am easy about it if he stays. I would be happy with that. But if someone comes in and Dimitar wants to leave, we will assess it.

"

Berbatov revealed to the press what Ferguson told him in private (via SBS):

"

I read the papers and I see they say £10 million is my price. I go and talk with Sir Alex, and he says to me £5 million. So who is telling the truth, what do you think? I love this club but I am not going to be useful to anyone if I am not playing. And I want to play.

"

Here are the latest Berbatov transfer rumours and updates. 

AC Milan

Dimitar Berbatov's agent said: 

"

I cannot say much but I do say that Berbatov likes Milan and looks good in red and black. Dimitar would run to AC Milan, because the club have appreciated him for years. They will have to speak with Manchester United and start negotiations.

"

Berbatov would be an upgrade from Antonio Cassano.

The problem with signing the Bulgarian is his wages because AC Milan want to be as economically efficient as Arsenal. 

Milan are in such dire economic straits that they still owe Barcelona money over signing Zlatan Ibrahimović, and he's now a Paris Saint-Germain player. 

Berbatov will have to take considerable wage cuts if he wants to call Milan home. Considering the corner he's stuck in, Milan have leverage over him.

Luuk de Jong would have been a good signing for the Rossoneri, but he's gone to Borussia Mönchengladbach. 

Edin Džeko would be a excellent replacement for Ibrahimović, though the Bosnian wants to stay with Manchester City.

Leandro Damião is easily the best forward option, however Internacional won't sell him this summer.

So that leaves Milan with Berbatov, who'll be a productive stopgap for the Italian club. 

The alternative school of thought is to give Stephan El Shaarawy an extended run as a starter. Once Il Faraone is up and running, Milan may have their next world-class forward. 

Juventus

According to Jeremy Cross at the Daily Star, Dimitar Berbatov's agent has alerted Juventus of his client's interest in joining them. 

Given Juve's double-bid for Robin van Persie and Luis Suárez, their management is lukewarm to signing the Bulgarian. 

If Berbatov ends up at Juve, it could inspire another classic quote from Giuseppe Marotta, who once accidentally dissed Mirko Vučinić by saying (via Forza Italian Football): "Vučinić is someone we like and his arrival wouldn’t block that of a top player."

Galatasaray

Galatasaray are in talks with Manchester United to sign Dimitar Berbatov, according to sportsvibe.co.uk. 

The Turkish club could potentially field a lethal partnership of Berbatov and Burak Yılmaz, who was recently signed for €5 million, according to the UEFA official site. 

Yılmaz scored 33 goals in the Süper Lig for Trabzonspor last season. With Berbatov playing behind him, the Turk could net 40 goals if the Bulgarian shows off his playmaking ability. 

West Ham United

According to Darren Lewis at mirror.co.uk, West Ham United want Dimitar Berbatov. 

However Sam Allardyce rubbished that claim (via ESPN):

"

That's pure speculation. I haven't had a chat with Sir Alex A statement came out from Dimitar saying he was available for £5 million, everyone knows we're looking for a striker, so they say we're in for him. That's pure speculation. I haven't had a chat with Sir Alex.

"

Allardyce recently signed Modibo Maïga, so you can rule out any possibility of Berbatov joining West Ham. 

Talking about Maïga, when he's on form, he'll go on a five-game scoring streak. When he's struggling for form, he'll draw the ire of his midfield teammates. Just ask Marvin Martin who could have accumulated five to eight more assists if Maïga was consistent. 

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Please read What You Must Know About CFC Transfer Target Oscar