Mancini to Spurs: Move Fast or Risk Losing Adebayor

Manchester boss Roberto Mancini has reportedly told Tottenham they could lose Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor in the forthcoming transfer season, unless they act fast, reported the Daily Mail.

Adebayor, who is currently on loan from the Manchester club, has had a pretty impressive season for Spurs, top-scoring with 13 goals. His good form means he has come on the radar of quite a few clubs.

The London club does have the option of signing the 28 year old on a permanent deal at the end of the season and have admitted they would like to. Unfortunately, Adebayor's wages - a whopping £140,000 a week - are proving to be a stumbling block.

The club, though, has been urged by Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart to cough up the money and sign the player, as he believes he is one of the best strikers in the world.

"He is one of the best, a top striker. He played for Real Madrid, for Arsenal, Manchester City. I was surprised that he came and I hope that he stays. He works his socks off, he's unbelievable. He's so positive. We love him here. I played with (Ruud) Van Nistelrooy (at Real Madrid) and he was fantastic and with Ade (Adebayor) as well," ESPN quoted van der Vaart as saying.

"Normally strikers wait for the chance and they score, but he works hard as well and even when he doesn't score, he's still important for the team. He's a big man for us," he added.

Mancini, who also loaned Adebayor to Real Madrid in the 2010/2011 season, also has the option of keeping the talented Togolese at the Etihad. However, on being asked about Adebayor's place, he replied saying there were already too many strikers.

"At this moment no, because we have four strikers and it's impossible for this," ESPN quoted Mancini as saying.

"If at the end of the season he wants to stay at Tottenham they will buy him, or another team will. There are a lot of teams that want Manu. Adebayor is playing well and I am happy for him. He's a good guy and a good player and I am happy," said Mancini, the Daily Mail reported.