Tottenham boss Martin Jol says he would 'rather die than sell Dimitar Berbatov', after the Bulgarian was again linked with a move away from White Hart Lane.
Berbatov's future has been the subject of intense speculation, amid reports of a rift with Jol.
Jol's own position at the club was also the subject of rumours, following a reported spat with star man Berbatov.
It had been claimed that Jol wanted to sell Berbatov against the board's will, after the forward reacted angrily to being substituted at Sunderland on the opening day of the season.
Manchester United and Real Madrid have been linked with the classy hit-man in the last few days and Jol has admitted he has received an approach for the former Bayer Leverkusen ace.
However, Jol insists he will not let Berbatov leave and insists he has no problem with the Bulgarian international.
"I told Dimitar that I love him and he told me that he loves me as well," Jol said.
"He thanked me for bringing him over here and I said I would rather die than sell him. I also told one manager that [inquired about him] that I would rather die than sell Dimitar Berbatov.
"Berba knows that because I said the same to him. So for me there's no issue.
"Berbatov will stay at this club and he will play for us.
"The disappointing thing is that somebody maybe told one of the papers that I wanted to sell Dimitar."
