Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United are likely to activate a clause in Dimitar Berbatov's contract that will keep him at Old Trafford for another year.
The £30.75million record signing has found his appearances limited this season as both Javier Hernandez and Daniel Welbeck have forced their way into Ferguson's plans on a regular basis.
This has led to speculation Ferguson may look to unload the 30-year-old during the January transfer window with big-spending Russians Anzhi Makhackala among potential suitors.
However, the United boss insists that will not happen.
Instead it seems Ferguson is more likely to offer the additional year, which United have the unilateral option to do.
"Dimitar is still in my thoughts," said Ferguson.
"I have read some things but there is absolutely no reason for me to let him go.
"He is an outstanding footballer and we will give the extra year.
"It is unfortunate the form of Javier Hernandez over the last year has been outstanding but he (Berbatov) plays a great role and he trains well.
"He has no complaints. The boy is a great professional and we are happy for him to be here.
"You need a good number of strikers in the modern day. If you look back to 1999, we had four great strikers. They all played their part.
"That is exactly what will happen today."
