The Sun claim that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will fund the deal by selling Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United in a £30m deal.

The Valencia star made the headlines this summer with a host of superb performances alongside Fernando Torres for Spain.

And although it looked like the striker would end up at Anfield, it appears Spurs are the ones who lead the race.

Meanwhile, Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson is prepared to raid his dad's United squad as he gears up for a season in Coca-Cola League One.

Sir Alex's United were 2-0 winners in a friendly at London Road last night - when midfielder Darron Gibson grabbed the second goal with a fine 25-yard strike.

Darren - whose side begin their season at Southend on Saturday - revealed afterwards that Gibson could easily have been wearing the blue of Peterborough instead.

He said: "The one we've spoken about signing was Darron Gibson, who scored the second goal. But he said that he wanted to do pre-season at United, and I couldn't wait any longer.

"They've got a lot of really good young players, but I can't see me doing any business there before the window shuts now.

"I obviously didn't nag my old man for players when I first started because I wanted to make my own name.

"With all due respect to League Two, I couldn't see any United players coming to us when we were down there.

"They tend to only go out to Championship sides - but maybe in League One I can get a few in."

United were again without Cristiano Ronaldo, and his team-mates made hard work of seeing off their plucky opponents - who could have recorded an excellent win if it was not for the performance of Tomasz Kuszczak in the visitors' goal.

Posh right-back Russell Martin opened the scoring with an own goal, but Ferguson junior insisted the match was an enjoyable experience.

He said: "It was a lot more relaxed taking on my dad than last season. We both enjoyed it.

"It was good of him to bring such a good squad down here, because they've got a lot of games coming up.

"It made it a good night for my players and for the fans."

Sir Alex Ferguson refused to comment on the future of absent star Ronaldo, instead highlighting the performance of Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio Da Silva.

He said: "Peterborough were the better side in the first half and should have been 2-0 up.

"But there were some plus points for us as well. Rafael Da Silva played the full 90 minutes and was pleasing, and his brother Fabio played 45 minutes as well.

"I was really pleased with their contributions, and it will be interesting to see how they get on this season.

"The squad we had tonight will play Juventus (tomorrow) - with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville to come in."