Manchester City - and not Manchester United - are the shock front-runners to sign striker Dimitar Berbatov before the transfer window closes.City manager Mark Hughes claims Tottenham have accepted his shock bid for Berbatov on Monday.

The 27-year-old Bulgaria international has been a target for Premier League champions United throughout the summer, but City have now stepped in with an audacious last-minute move.

City's offer for Berbatov is reported to be in excess of £30million and would set a new British transfer record.

Hughes told Sky Sports News that a fee had been agreed with the North London club and he now plans to hold talks with the talented striker.

Berbatov has been left out of Juande Ramos' plans for the club's last two matches, with the coach feeling his presence was a disruptive influence on the rest of the squad.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted at the end of last week he was unsure if the deal would go through before Monday's midnight deadline.

But talks between the two clubs were believed to be ongoing as the clock ticked down.

However, City have now joined the race and are looking to hijack the move, having earlier sold Vedran Corluka to Spurs on Monday.

More Football News from TEAMtalk