Manchester City are preparing a Premiership record £32 million bid for Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

The Sunday Mirror says the move for the Bulgarian hitman has already been authorised by City owner Thaksin Shinawatra - despite his recent comments that limited funds will be made available to Sven Goran Eriksson during the summer.

Boss Eriksson is facing fierce competition for Berbatov’s signature from city rivals Manchester United and Chelsea but remains confident that City hold a key advantage over their opponents.

Martin Petrov is one of Berbatov’s closest friends in football and is keen to link up with one of his best pals.

In fact, Berbatov was furious last summer with former Tottenham boss Martin Jol for failing to sign Petrov.