Sir Alex Ferguson has told French club Paris St Germain they have no chance of signing Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.
In the immediate aftermath of his exclusion from United's Champions League final squad, it was felt the Bulgarian would leave Old Trafford this summer.
Even Ferguson has admitted it would have been no surprise if Berba had asked for a move.
However, during United's summer tour of North America, Berbatov stated he still had unfinished business at the club and felt any move away from the Old Trafford club would
represent a step down.
That did not stop PSG making their interest known and, backed by an influx of money from their new Qatar-based owners, felt there was a good chance of tempt Berbatov move to France.
It took a quick chat between Ferguson and PSG director of football Leonardo to end that hope.
"I had Ferguson on the phone but he said he was counting on Berbatov and he was not for sale," said Leonardo after his side's 2-1 win over Valenciennes yesterday.
Although Berbatov did not start last week's Premier League opener against West Brom, his introduction as a second-half substitute did help inspire United to a 2-1 win.
And, with striker Javier Hernandez still ruled out as he completes his recovery from concussion, it would be no surprise if last season's joint Golden Boot winner was named for Monday night's Old Trafford encounter with Tottenham.
United will expect to win in order to keep pace with rivals Manchester City's flying start to the new season.
Yet, after winning their record 19th championship with only 80 points last season, in his programme notes ahead of Monday evening's clash with Spurs, Ferguson has suggested the number may once again be lower than the 90 that tended to be the target in previous years.
"It seems to me that the Premier League will be tighter than ever this season," Ferguson told United Review.
"We play in a strong league and it is getting stronger.
"I guess around 85 points will win it, maybe even 80 again, though we will certainly be looking to improve on that total."
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