Berbatov linked to Leverkusen

Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen are keen on signing Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United.

The German club have already been in touch with the player, a representative from the CSKA-AS-23 agency has said.

When asked by Bild about the rumours linking the Bulgarian striker with his former club, Ivan Dobrinov, a member of the group that represents Berbatov, confirmed the link.

“It’s more than a rumour. Leverkusen have it on their minds to get Berbatov,” he said.

“There is contact, but nothing concrete yet. It all depends on United’s plans.”

Berbatov, 30, has made just 14 appearances for United this season, and has a contract that is set to expire in the summer.

He has long been linked with moves away from Old Trafford, but according to Dobrinov, has a special fondness for the club where he played from 2001-06.

“The player has never forgotten Leverkusen, the club is still very dear to him. Furthermore, he has a good relationship with the leadership at Bayer.”

Leverkusen CEO Wolfgang Holzhauser said he has been in touch with Berbatov, but said that a deal is still far from complete.

“I would even say that the contact is friendly,” he said.

“But there is certainly nothing concrete at the moment. I also read that Manchester United would like to extend his contract.”

On Boxing Day, Berbatov netted a hat-trick against Wigan. In addition to Leverkusen, a number of other clubs have been linked with his signing, including Tottenham and Fulham.