Spurs losing hope of hanging on to Berbatov

Tottenham fully expect Manchester United to renew their efforts to sign Dimitar Berbatov and have privately dismissed the notion that Sir Alex Ferguson has turned his sights to Thierry Henry. Spurs remain pessimistic that they will be able to hang on to their striker after another lacklustre display by the Bulgarian against Roma at White Hart Lane on Sunday suggested his heart is no longer in it.

It is understood Henry has had no indication, either from his club Barcelona, or direct from United, that Ferguson has an interest in him. Despite the perception that Henry, 31 on Sunday, had a difficult first season in Spain, he was the club's top goalscorer with 19 in all competitions and the club are in no mood to let him leave having sold Ronaldinho. Sources close to the player have indicated that he has no intention of joining United.

That leaves United with a deal to do over Berbatov before the end of the month, with Ferguson admitting there was "an issue with scoring goals" after the Community Shield game against Portsmouth had to be settled on penalties following a goalless draw.

In the meantime, Gary Neville has announced his intention is to win a second consecutive Champions League with United, a feat that has never been achieved by any club with the competition in its current format. "As a club we've never won the European Cup two years on the trot so we must step up to the plate if we want to achieve that," Neville said.