Tottenham manager Juande Ramos has admitted he is already making preparations for the possible departure of star striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Ramos wants to keep the 28-year-old at White Hart Lane but revealed he could leave if Spurs's asking price is met and the player wants to move.

"I've spoken to him many times and know exactly what he wants," Ramos said.

"We have to cover our backs in case the player decides to leave and we have to have options to replace him."

The Bulgarian has been linked with a host of clubs, including Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Ramos added: "I would obviously like him to stay here but we don't know how future negotiations will go so it is something I cannot guarantee.

"If there are offers coming in we will see if they convince the club and the player as well.

"What we want is for the player to be happy and enjoy his football. The player has the key to this and it is up to him at the end of the day.

"If that happened I'm sure the club would prefer to have the money because with the money they would be able to sign the players necessary.

"They would be able to look on the market for appropriate players."

Ramos believes it will be possible to replace Berbatov if he leaves, adding: "Of course there are great players in Europe that can do just as well as Berbatov."

Berbatov, who has netted 23 goals this season, joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen for £10.9m in the summer of 2006.

He has recovered from a groin injury and is available to play against Liverpool on Sunday, which could be a farewell appearance if an appropriate bid is tabled over the summer.

With Berbatov keen on Champions League football, Spurs have looked at other strikers in case he leaves.

Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o has been linked with a move to White Hart Lane and the Catalan giants have suggested they would study any bid made for the Cameroon forward.

(BBC)

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