Jenas on Berbatov

JERMAINE JENAS has expressed the importance of Dimitar Berbatov staying at the club if Tottenham Hotspur want to break into the Champions League positions.

Berbatov made a massive impact in his first season at Spurs following his £10.9million switch from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and scored 23 goals in his first season at White Hart Lane.

He has since been linked with a big money move to Manchester United, but Martin Jol has insisted that his star striker is not for sale at any price.

"We know we need to close the gap each year to give ourselves a chance of claiming a Champions League spot and I feel we've done that this year," Jenas told Shoot magazine.

"Any slip-ups or lack of ambition at the club is not wanted. Dimitar's made a massive impact for us. He's a top, top player.

"The manager likes to play a small guy and a big guy up front and when Dimitar came in only a few players really knew about him.

"It's not easy to come into the Premiership and do what he's done but he has learnt fast and has been exceptional for us.

"We've gained a lot of experience this year. Maybe we can take it into next year."

As I commented elsewhere - the Sun quoting Shoot magazine, must have been a slow news day at the super soaraway!