Tentative talks begin about return to former club
• Manchester United could yet extend striker's deal
• Manchester United could yet extend striker's deal
Dimitar Berbatov has started only two league games for Manchester United this season but scored a hat-trick on Boxing Day. Photograph: Jon Super/AP
Dimitar Berbatov's representatives have confirmed they have spoken to Bayer Leverkusen about the possibility of the striker returning to the Bundesliga club, saying that such reports are "more than just a rumour".
Berbatov has been on the fringes of the Manchester United side this season, starting only two Premier League games, but provided a timely reminder of his talent with a hat-trick in the 5-0 Boxing Day win over Wigan Athletic. The Bulgarian's contract ends next summer and if United decide not to exercise their option of a 12-month extension, he would be able to talk to other clubs at the start of January about a free transfer.
Berbatov spent five seasons at Leverkusen before moving to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur in 2006 and he appears receptive to a return to Germany, should he not stay at Old Trafford.
"Leverkusen have it on their minds to get Berbatov," Ivan Dobrinov, a member of the group which represents Berbatov, told the German newspaper Bild. "There is contact, but nothing concrete yet. It all depends on United's plans. We wait until 2 January.
"Until then, United have the option but if that does not happen then Berbatov would be a free transfer in the summer. The player has never forgotten Leverkusen, the club is still very dear to him. Furthermore, he has a good relationship with the leadership at Bayer."
The Leverkusen chief executive, Wolfgang Holzhauser, also confirmed tentative talks have taken place but accepted the 30-year-old could remain at United.
"I would even say that the contact is friendly," Holzhauser said. "But there is certainly nothing concrete at the moment. I also read that Manchester United would like to extend his contract."
Berbatov has been on the fringes of the Manchester United side this season, starting only two Premier League games, but provided a timely reminder of his talent with a hat-trick in the 5-0 Boxing Day win over Wigan Athletic. The Bulgarian's contract ends next summer and if United decide not to exercise their option of a 12-month extension, he would be able to talk to other clubs at the start of January about a free transfer.
Berbatov spent five seasons at Leverkusen before moving to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur in 2006 and he appears receptive to a return to Germany, should he not stay at Old Trafford.
"Leverkusen have it on their minds to get Berbatov," Ivan Dobrinov, a member of the group which represents Berbatov, told the German newspaper Bild. "There is contact, but nothing concrete yet. It all depends on United's plans. We wait until 2 January.
"Until then, United have the option but if that does not happen then Berbatov would be a free transfer in the summer. The player has never forgotten Leverkusen, the club is still very dear to him. Furthermore, he has a good relationship with the leadership at Bayer."
The Leverkusen chief executive, Wolfgang Holzhauser, also confirmed tentative talks have taken place but accepted the 30-year-old could remain at United.
"I would even say that the contact is friendly," Holzhauser said. "But there is certainly nothing concrete at the moment. I also read that Manchester United would like to extend his contract."
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