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Ferguson "less optimistic" about new signings

28/08/2008

Dimitar Berbatov's proposed move to Manchester United could be off after Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he was "less optimistic" about signing any new players.

The United boss has made no secret of his desire to bring in a new striker to Old Trafford this summer and Berbatov is thought to be his number one target.

But the long running transfer saga seems to be no closer to being resolved and with the transfer window closing in four days, Ferguson is now preparing to play the season with the players he already has.

"I'm less optimistic so we'll carry on, " said Ferguson. "I've no idea what's going on. It's very hard to get communication with some people in life."

Berbatov was left out of the Tottenham squad that lost to Sunderland at White Hart Lane on Saturday after the club felt he was not in the right frame of mind to play. The 27-yaer-old has made it clear he wants to move to United and has reportedly handed in a transfer request.

The stumbling block in Berbatov's move to Old Trafford has been the transfer fee. Tottenham value the player in the region of £30 million, while United are supposedly not willing to go over £25 million.

United chief executive David Gill refused to be drawn into transfer rumours, but told fans of the club "wait with bated breath" when it came to the possibility of new signings.