Berbatov could move to a Champions League club if Spurs' valuation of the Bulgaria international is met, leading to head coach Juande Ramos being linked with the likes of David Villa and Samuel Eto'o.

Lineker, an FA Cup winner with Spurs, feels Berbatov would be an impossible act to follow.

"Berbatov is a wonderful footballer and it would be a real shame if Spurs were to lose him," he said.

"They might get plenty of money for him but it is hard to replace that sort of talent - he is a top-class performer."

Spurs won the Carling Cup in February and more success is expected next season.

"Juande Ramos seems to have had some sort of effect on things there but I think the real test for him will be next season and if they can keep hold of their players - the likes of Berbatov - and see what kind of players the manager can bring in and which ones he will let go," said Lineker on readingfc.co.uk.

"We will see where they go from here but obviously they need to go forward and build on the limited success they have had this season."

Ramos is expected to make changes in the summer, as well as making an attempt to persuade Berbatov to stay.

Goalkeeper Radek Cerny is expected to leave as he has not agreed a contract beyond this season, while reserves such as Younes Kaboul have hardly featured in recent weeks.

Cerny has featured in the recent run of 1-1 draws as Paul Robinson has been out with an ankle problem.

The Czech goalkeeper is determined to get back to winning ways when they face Reading on Saturday and he told Spurs TV Online: "We need to win games because we haven't won in five and I know everyone feels the end of the season is coming - still, we need to win against Reading.

"It's still the Premier League, playing games in this league is a dream for anyone around the world."

Alan Hutton sustained a toe injury against Bolton last week but should be fit for the trip to the Madejski Stadium.

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Spurs have been ahead in three of the previous four games but all have finished 1-1. Last week they looked in control until Bolton took the lead, with Steed Malbranque rescuing a point.

Ramos said: "The fact we've created all these chances is the main thing, it's not so good that we are not taking them.

"The area of finishing games off is an area we have to look at, maybe we just haven't got that killer instinct in front of goal, possibly we just need to be more careful when we are taking our chances.

"The thing we are doing right is creating opportunities but maybe we just need that quality or finesse in front of goal."

Spurs defeated Reading 6-4 earlier in the season and Ramos predicts another open match.

He added: "Reading are fighting for their lives and if they don't win their final home game they will find life difficult for them on the final game of the season.

"I expect a more attacking game than against Bolton last week."