Leverkusen chief executive Wolfgang Holzhauer has ruled out re-signing want-away Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov this summer.
German club would only re-sign striker on free transfer
Bayer Leverkusen chief executive Wolfgang Holzhauer has ruled out re-signing want-away Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov this summer.
Berbatov has been linked with a return to his former club, with whom he spent five seasons before joining Tottenham in 2006, after making it clear he feels he no longer has a future at Old Trafford.
The Bulgarian frontman, who arrived at United from Spurs four years ago, has grown frustrated at the club after falling down Sir Alex Ferguson's pecking order, making just 12 Premier League appearances this season, seven of which came off the bench.
The 31-year-old is expected to move on this summer despite the club taking up an extra year's option on his contract in March which saw his deal extended until June 2013.
Interest
Leverkusen are among the clubs thought to be targeting the striker, with Paris St German, Borussia Dortmund and Lazio also believed to be interested.
But club chief Holzhauer says the German club will not be moving for Berbatov, citing his price tag as a stumbling block.
He told the
Rheinische Post newspaper: "We are looking to find a striker, one that works well alongside Stefan Kiessling. However, the return of Berbatov is not an option for us.
"We are still on good terms with him but he would only be an option if he was available on a free transfer."
