For Spain's big two have emerged as Sir Alex Ferguson's biggest rivals in the race for the forward.

Tottenham's Bulgarian strike ace is top of the United boss's summer wish list - but the Londoners are reluctant to sell to a Premier League opponent.

That stance has left the way open for Real - already at loggerheads with the Reds over their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo - and Barcelona, with Spurs willing to let their prize asset go abroad for less than the estimated £30m he could cost United.

Berbatov, 27, has spoken openly of his admiration for the double winners' attacking approach, saying: "Giggs, Scholes and Rooney are all fantastic players and Ronaldo plays football from another planet."

Fergie has already indicated he will probably make just one signing this summer with Berbatov his clear favourite.

Should his way be blocked, he could then switch his attention to Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz, who is also a target of City and new boss Mark Hughes, who has recently moved to the Blues from Rovers.

United, meanwhile, are insisting that no decision has yet been made as to whether Ronaldo will need surgery on his right ankle.

Reports emerging from the Portuguese medical team suggested the wing sensation would have an operation in the next few days.

But United issued their own statement about the injury, saying: "Procedures are in place to seek specialist advice, in order to finalise the treatment plan as soon as possible."

United's medical staff met with the medical team from the Portuguese FA and Ronaldo.

"As a result, further specialist advice is being sought and an announcement will be made on any action in due course."

Should it be decided an operation is required, which is likely, it could have a major impact over the Madeira-born winger's fitness for the start of the new season. And that may determine the pace of Real's bid to lure him to the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo is not due back at Carrington for another fortnight and Fergie is yet to speak to him about Madrid's interest.

He refused to comment on his future when he returned to Portugal after a headline-grabbing holiday in Sardinia.

"I can only say that I will spend the period of my recovery in my house in Sintra but regarding my future I cannot say anything," Ronaldo said.

One hush-hush compromise to the saga could be Ronaldo staying at United for another season, while a deal with Real is thrashed out for his departure in 2009.

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