Berbatov: Future uncertain

If Berbatov goes, we will need time to sign a replacement. We want to have the best centre forward we can possibly get.

Juande Ramos
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Tottenham manager Juande Ramos has called for a swift resolution to the uncertainty over Dimitar Berbatov's future.

The Bulgaria striker was left out of Saturday's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sunderland after it was decided he was in the wrong frame of mind to play amid interest from Manchester United.

And with just a week to go until the transfer window closes, Ramos has called for the saga to be brought to an end as quickly as possible so that he can bring in a replacement.

"We need to get this matter resolved before the transfer deadline," he said.

"If Berbatov goes, we will need time to sign a replacement. We want to have the best centre forward we can possibly get."

Spurs have lost both their opening Premier Legaue games while uncertainty surrounds Berbatov's future.

Excuses

However defender Jonathan Woodgate says the players who take the field must shoulder the blame for the poor start, and avoid making lame excuses.

"What because we've lost a couple of games it's Berba's fault? No, that's a load of bull," said the centre-half.

"We've lost the two games because we haven't played well. It's got nothing to do with him.

"The football club's bigger than one player at the end of the day. I don't feel it's been disruptive. The manager makes the decisions.

"Now we'll have to put on a good performance against Chelsea (next Sunday) or they'll wipe the floor with us."