Dimitar Berbatov has been told he can leave Manchester United this summer, with Zenit St. Petersburg appearing to be the frontrunners to land the Bulgarian, according to Metro reports.

Berbatov has endured a frustrating time at United since his £30 million move from Tottenham in 2008.

The imminent arrival of Robin Van Persie has only widened the exit door, along with Ferguson’s desire to re-invent the team with pace.

It’s a dramatic fall from grace for a player who never lived up to the expectations of being a new Eric Cantona.

His five- goal-haul in the 7-1 victory over Blackburn and a hat-trick in the 3-2 win against Liverpool are among the few highlights of his United career.

But his proven goal-scoring record, 75 goals in 178 appearances for both United and Spurs has attracted the interest of a number of clubs across Europe.

Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus have been linked with the player, along with Galatasaray, QPR and West Ham.

But Zenit seem to be the only club unfazed by Berbatov’s hefty wages, reportedly £110,000- a-week at Old Trafford.

It is understood that a move back to Eastern Europe would favour Berbatov and club officials could fly out to Manchester within the next fortnight to wrap up a deal.

Fellow United strikers, Bebe and Federico Macheda may also be allowed to leave the club for regular first-team action, with neither players featuring prominently in Sir Alex’s plans.

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