England international King is an essential part of the Spurs defence

Tottenham boss Juande Ramos expects Ledley King to be at White Hart Lane at the start of next season.

Friday's newspapers had suggested that the club captain, who has been hampered by a long-standing knee injury, had an uncertain future at the club.

But Ramos, who could still name a new captain, told the Spurs website: "So there is no misunderstanding, Ledley is handling his recovery well.

"We fully expect him to be here at the start of next season."

However Ramos insists that a new captain, expected to be either Jonathan Woodgate or Robbie Keane, is not related to the 27-year-old's future at Spurs.

King has made 10 appearances for Tottenham during the current campaign, the last of them during the 4-4 draw against Chelsea on 19 March.

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His fitness has not been risked on a regular basis and he has been ruled out for the rest of the season to try to fully recover from the problem.

Ramos has given the captaincy to Keane in King's absence, but is thought to be considering Woodgate as a possible skipper for next season.

"We're going to have to wait for the diagnosis of the doctors," added Ramos with regard to King's availability to continue as captain.

"We don't know what the squad is going to be like, and we'll make that decision then."

But the Spanish coach had a word of warning for any players hoping to secure their futures at White Hart Lane over the remaining four games of the season.

"I'm not going to discover now anything new about a group of players I have been with for a long time and know perfectly well," he stated.

Ramos has made it clear, however, that striker Dimitar Berbatov is firmly in his plans.

"We're delighted to have him here and as far as the future is concerned that is a matter for the club," said the 53-year-old.

But the Bulgarian's agent claims that it is time for the striker to leave Tottenham and move to a more successful club.

"Dimitar is 27-years-old and he needs to win trophies," said Emil Dantchev.

"It is time he was transferred to a club that regularly plays in the Champions League.

"There are seven to eight clubs in Europe interested and we know them."