In a strange turn of events, it now seems Dimitar Berbatov will be playing his club football in London this season.
Earlier today, reports suggested the Bulgarian had all but secured a move to Serie A club Fiorentina for an approximate value of £4 million.
But now, the bizarre case of Berbatov has taken another twist amid reports he has turned down a move to Italy altogether, now a move to Martin Jol’s Fulham is on the cards.
The Manchester United striker is set to leave Old Trafford before Friday’s transfer window and had been on his way to Florence this afternoon.
He never turned up at the Stadio Franchi for a planned medical, as Juventus intervened with a higher wage offer.
It was widely reported the Bulgarian was coming to Turin in order to complete the transfer this evening.
However, Sky Sport Italia are now suggesting Berbatov has changed his mind for the third time today and is ready to accept a proposal from Fulham instead.
Berbatov’s actions have incensed the Viola, who published the following press release late on Wednesday evening: “ACF Fiorentina announces that it missed the acquisition of the player Dimitar Berbatov after we had reached an agreement with Manchester United and a verbal understanding with the player on a contract.
“During today the English club had granted him written permission to travel to Florence for a medical and to sign a contract. The player – accompanied by his agent – embarked on a flight to Florence with tickets paid for by the club.
“But the player never arrived in Florence because of reckless and arrogant actions of other clubs which have nothing to do with the values of honesty, fair play and sporting ethics which lie beyond the boundaries of loyalty.
“As for the player, notwithstanding his characteristics and technical merit, at this point we are happy that he did not come to Fiorentina as he is not worthy of our city, our shirt and the values it represents.”
It is claimed the decision was so he would not remove his family from England.
For the Cottagers, this is a swift response to the loss of Moussa Dembele, who supposedly agreed a move to city rivals Tottenham yesterday evening. At just £4 million this transfer would be just a drop in the water compared to the £15 million fee received for the Belgium midfielder.