Manchester City won't bid for Arsenal ace Robin van Persie until they find a buyer for Emmanuel Adebayor. The Sunday Mirror says Arsenal officials fear Van Persie has already made up his mind to quit the Emirates after failing to sign a new contract and making it clear he wants to win trophies.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is keen to capitalise on the stand-off and is planning to launch a £20million bid for Van Persie, but has been told he must offload at least one big earner first.
And that is where Tottenham and Adebayor, who spent last season on loan at White Hart Lane, come in.
Andre Villas-Boas is set to be named the new Spurs boss this week, just pipping former France boss Laurent Blanc to the post, and has given his blessing for the club to open negotiations over a permanent deal.