TOTTENHAM boss Juande Ramos wants to ensure Dimitar Berbatov is part of the long-term future at White Hart Lane.

Berbatov was subject to interest from Manchester United in the summer after his impressive rookie season in the Barclays Premier League but he has scored only two goals this term, with suggestions he is unhappy at Spurs.

The Bulgaria striker's agent is understood to be meeting Spurs officials tomorrow or Monday to clarify his position and Ramos is certain he wants the player to be part of his squad.

He's one of the best quality players we have at the club and we want to have him with us for a long time to come,'' said Ramos.

I'm sure he will have an excellent season.'' Berbatov has appeared moody on the pitch during Spurs' slump that has seen them slip into the bottom three ahead of the trip to Middlesbrough this weekend.

Ramos is still learning how to read his players and during his initial discussions with Berbatov did not sense an unsettled player.

I've spoken to all the players collectively and in private but I have not spoken to any of them about such a situation,'' he said.

I've seen him and he looks quite happy and very well integrated into the team but I've only been here for a few days. I don't know if the way he is, whether this is his usual character, if he is happy or not.

I don't know. I can't make that evaluation after only being here for a few days.'' Ramos will immediately face the same dilemma as former boss Martin Jol, with two places for four front-line strikers at the club. Robbie Keane has scored 24 goals in his last 31 Spurs matches, making him almost an automatic selection, while Berbatov has still provided the odd moment of class during his dip in form.

He's a great professional,'' said Ramos of Keane.

I know about the goals he has scored for the team, he is one of the captains of the team and he has this great experience which is very necessary for the young players coming through the team.

"They see him as a reference and it's very important that he passes on that experience."

Then there is Jermain Defoe, who looked lively as a substitute during the midweek Carling Cup victory over Blackpool in Ramos' first game in charge, and Darren Bent.

Players pick themselves, basically,'' said Ramos.

If they deserve to be on the pitch they will get minutes to play, if not another one will play in their place.'' Spurs will climb out of the relegation zone with a victory at the Riverside Stadium, and the omens are good as one of Ramos' finest wins at Sevilla was in the UEFA Cup final against Boro two seasons ago.

Ramos then defended the cup, with his success in Spain meaning the pressure is on to turn Spurs' season around after consecutive fifth-placed finishes under Jol.

I was expecting this when I landed, I knew I was taking over a team with a few problems sports-wise and the change has been huge,'' said Ramos.

But I'm hoping to reverse the situation and things will get more comfortable as time goes on. The challenge motivates me, that's why I'm here.''