'Arrogance' angers Spurs' Ferguson is blasted by chairman.

TOTTENHAM chairman Daniel Levy has accused Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson of "sheer arrogance" and "hypocrisy" over his public pursuit of star striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Spurs have complained to the Premier League over the Red Devils' bid to lure Berbatov and Liverpool's attempts to sign Robbie Keane, branding the conduct of both clubs "disgraceful" and claiming they have been "systematically been working to prise the players away from us".

Manager Ferguson confirmed yesterdaythat the Premier League champions, who have been infuriated by Real Madrid's public pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo, have made a bid for Berbatov and that he expects the deal to eventually go through.

Spurs have also been angered by the comments of Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who went public last week by revealing Republic of Ireland captain Keane as a target for the Reds. Levy issued the following statement on his club's official website, www.tottenhamhotspur.com: "Today's public comments by Manchester United's manager, announcing that he has made an offer for Dimitar and is confident that the deal will go through with time working in their favour, is a blatant example of sheer arrogance and interference with one of our players "It is also probably one of the worst offences by any manager in the Premier League to date and is unbelievably hypocritical given his recent comments in respect of Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid.

"This comes after a series of events, dating back to last summer, which have shown Manchester United to be in breach of Premier League rules.

"As a result, we have today made an official complaint to the Premier League about the conduct of Manchester United. Benitez made similar comments in respect of Robbie recently and we made an official complaint to the Premier League about the conduct of Liverpool earlier this week."

He added: "I have absolutely no wish to sell either player and to date we have not accepted any offer for either. However, when a player's head is turned and their commitment is absent, particularly when they occupy key positions such as that of striker, they become a negative influence in a team dressing room in which they were once a positive addition and influence.

"This is the situation we now have on our hands, with both Dimitar and Robbie having made it clear that they wish to leave for Manchester United and Liverpool respectively."

Manchester United issued a brief response to Spurs' claims. A spokesman said: "We are aware of the allegation and will co-operate with the Premier League as necessary."

CAPTION(S):

ACCUSED Alex Ferguson wants Berbatov.