Spurs boss Ramos confident that he's talked Berbatov into staying
Tottenham manager Juande Ramos is confident Dimitar Berbatov will sign a new contract after holding talks with the striker.
Ramos is already planning mass changes to the squad for next season, but wants to build his team around the Bulgarian international.
It is understood the Spaniard has convinced the 27-year-old that he should stay at White Hart Lane after discussing his long-term plans with the striker.
Scroll down for more
Dutch courage: Dimitar Berbatov scores in Eindhoven on Wednesday
Ramos has reassured Berbatov that he will be spending big in the transfer market in the summer to ensure Spurs can challenge for a top four place in the Premier League as well as in the cups.
The former Bayer Leverkusen star is desperate to play in Europe's premier club competition, but has been impressed by the impact Ramos has made since he arrived from Sevilla in October, especially with the club's victory in the Carling Cup.
He has two years left on his current deal with an option for another two years and Ramos has told close friends he expects him to stay at the club despite interest from Manchester United.
The news should give Spurs a boost following their disappointing exit to PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Cup, where Berbatov was once again the club's best player on view.
The season might not end happily for defender Pascal Chimbonda, who missed the crucial penalty in the shoot-out.
Scroll down for more
Dimi, I salute you: Spurs boss Ramos believes he has persuaded Berbatov to stay
He will be sold in the summer after angering the club with his contract demands earlier in the season, but may also see his appearances in the first team reduced before then.
Alan Hutton is now the first choice right back and while Chimbonda has been used as an emergency left back due to injuries to Gareth Bale and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Ramos will use Gilberto, Lee Young-Pyo and Chris Gunter instead of the French international.
Tottenham go to Manchester City on Sunday with Michael Dawson set to start instead of captain Ledley King. Younes Kaboul (knee) and Ricardo Rocha (groin) are still struggling to return.
Ramos' assistant Gus Poyet is determined to ensure Spurs' season doesn't peter out following the UEFA Cup defeat.
He said: "The target for us now is that we keep improving and that means we have to win as many games as possible.
"We are going to start building for next season starting with Sunday."
