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.