Levy: "Spurs won't sell stars"

[Biggs]

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has underlined that the North Londoners are not a selling club, as reports continue to link Dimitar Berbatov with a summer exit.

The Bulgarian has enjoyed a tremendous debut campaign in England and has been mooted as a possible transfer target for Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, the striker told Sky Sports News on Saturday that he is determined to help Martin Jol's side break into the Premiership's top four next season, seemingly dismissing talk of a transfer.

In order to further dissuade any potential suitors from making an unwelcome approach, Levy has forcefully emphasised that Spurs are not looking to lose any of their key players as they aim to close the gap on Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Ars*nal.

"In case anyone is under the impression that we are a selling club, I should like to once again stress the policy and position of this club," wrote Levy in his programme notes for Sunday's game with Manchester City.

"We are building for the future - we are not a selling club. We have seen the squad settle, develop and produce results. Now we need to consolidate and look for that next step up.

"I am happy for anyone to judge this club by who we sell and who we don't.

"Our ability to attract and retain top-class players is key to our ambition to compete at the highest level - regularly in Europe and with our sights set on Champions League qualification.

"There is a world of difference between a player who has a short period left on his contract and could look to leave on a free transfer, and a player with a long contract.

"If, as we do, you have players on long contracts and the finances of the club are strong, you have no need to sell."

iv had enough of these rumors.

and levy is right we shouldnt sell all our best players

[Dj Frisky]

I have had enough of these rumours too they are just doing my head in know berba said it himself he wants to stay with us next season. Man ure ain t gonna have him and sir alex aint gonna nick any of our other players again.

[THWH90]

I rekon he's done this so all the players that we are gonna try and buy will see that our club has big ambitions... As the main problem facing us, with buying top class players, is not the money but them chosing another (supposedly better) club.

[Berba's girl]

Well at least we've had the same response from everyone that's important now:
Berba's agent, MJ, Levy & the man himself. Hope that's the end of it coz I just can't take any more!!!!!! And I've already ordered my no9 shirt.

[SpursLad]

Good to see this from Levy, hopefully it will end all the rumours flying around. We need a settled team for pre season.

[dedleysting]

I hope this is true and Levy remains true to his word!

Why the hell didn't he say this before we sold Carrick??

[tomthetankisayid]

MAIL ON SUNDAY SAID juve have offered 25 million for berbatov

[dedleysting]

MAIL ON SUNDAY SAID juve have offered 25 million for berbatov

Levy will prob sell Berb now!!

[Jude106]

Everyone important has now said that he is staying and I'll be very very surprised now if he doesn't. The club knows if we ever wanna get into the big four we have to hold on to our best players and if we do we will indeed become a more attractive club for other big names to join.

[yido91]

If players stay a bit loyal these days then maybe teams would be able to break into the top four. I'm glad levey came out and said this. Imagine if we had carrick this season. Defintley would be in the top four.

[gethinlluest]

well done levy. Keep the cash coming!!

[Daniisco]

Too right. We shouldn't keep are class players for a year then sell them on. Champions league is a must next season though. COY!!

[writeontheedge]

I think spurs have become too strong in the last year to be a 'Selling team'.  We've made alot of Profit and are financially stable.  With the potential new TV money coming into touch next season we wont ever need to sell any big players.  Looking forward to the summer signings and all the other transfer gossip.

[Powerage]

Its not a case of the clubs finance's, I believe its players being lured away thats the problem. For example, Man United offereing Berbatov 72,000 home fans every match, European football every year of the highest level, a damn good salary, world class team-mates against world class opponents, silverware...

Look where Carrick is now, he's just picked up his first major honor [a league winners medal], he got to the Champions League Semi-Final and is playing in the FA Cup final next weekend. Not bad when a year ago his chances of playing in the Champions league were smashed by this years relegation survivors.

[Rob]

Its not a case of the clubs finance's, I believe its players being lured away thats the problem. For example, Man United offereing Berbatov 72,000 home fans every match, European football every year of the highest level, a damn good salary, world class team-mates against world class opponents, silverware...

Look where Carrick is now, he's just picked up his first major honor [a league winners medal], he got to the Champions League Semi-Final and is playing in the FA Cup final next weekend. Not bad when a year ago his chances of playing in the Champions league were smashed by this years relegation survivors.

well said!!1

But the thing is that action has to be taken. And its better to take it sooner than later. I think Spurs are building a great team. And they have to set their priorities straight either make money or keep the stars and win things. I think Spurs are not going to sell any big player any time soon . However if they fail to qualify for CL next year then well...........