David Villa has been lined up as a £16million replacement for
Dimitar Berbatov as Tottenham attempt to start an auction for the
disillusioned striker.
Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli, who was battling to save
his reputation at White Hart Lane until he lined up the signing of
Luka Modric last Friday, has already begun informal talks with
Valencia.
Intriguingly, when negotiations with Dinamo Zagreb hit a snag,
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was brought in to conclude the deal for
Modric, who did not interest Chelsea.
Manager Juande Ramos is also planning to return to previous club
Sevilla to sign winger Diego Capel as Spurs begin a transformation
under their highly-rated coach.
Although Villa is also on the radar of Chelsea, Liverpool and
his preferred choice Real Madrid, Ramos believes he can persuade
the Spain striker to join him at White Hart Lane.
Berbatov is determined to leave Spurs in the summer and the
Bulgaria striker turned in another sub- standard performance
against Bolton on Saturday, after which Ramos admitted Berbatov
would be leaving in the summer.
Ramos told coaching staff he expected the forward to 'play for a
move' after the club's Carling Cup triumph over Chelsea, but he has
lacked dedication in training and games.
Spurs would prefer Berbatov to move abroad, but they will
reluctantly sell to one of their Barclays Premier League rivals if
they stump up £25m.
Villa has an escape clause in his Valencia contract. Comolli
will conduct negotiations, although Ramos has a sway with Spanish
players after his success at Sevilla.
Comolli was instrumental in the dismissal of Martin Jol and the
appointment of Ramos, but the pair's relationship is strained after
the arrival of Brazilian left back Gilberto from Hertha Berlin for
£2m in January.
Although Gilberto made his first Premier League start against
Bolton, he is seen as 'a Comolli signing' — code among White Hart
Lane staff at Spurs for a dud.