Borussia Dortmund have earmarked Edin Dzeko as the man to replace Robert Lewandowski, if the Polish striker leaves the club in the summer, according to the Metro.

The 24-year-old has revealed he would not be extending his contract with Dortmund and has been strongly linked with a summer move to Manchester United, who have been monitoring him for some time now.

Dzeko, on the other hand, is expected to make his way out of City in the summer. Roberto Mancini is planning a huge clearout at the end of the season and the Bosnian's name is understood to be on the list. The striker has fallen down the pecking order and started in only 11 games this season.

Edin Dzeko
Reuters

The-26-year-old would be an apt replacement for Lewandowski, who has scored 16 goals this season in 21 Bundesliga appearances. However, Dzeko's availability would also depend on Mancini's tenure at the club. The Italian has been rumoured to make way for Jose Mourinho or Manuel Pellegrini in the summer.

Dzeko's form has seen a rise in recent weeks, with the striker scoring two goals in his last two starts. However, in spite of his good performances Mancini is averse to naming him in the starting line-up, with the player being benched in City's last three games.

Mancini on Title

Mancini believes his team still has a chance to retain their Premier League title, with 10 games still to go in the season. The Citizens brought the gap down to 12 points following their 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday and have to win all their remaining games, if they have any hope of capitalising on United dropping points in the run-in.

"We did a good performance and it was difficult. For us it was important to stay 12 behind United, with 10 games left you never say never. Keep on winning and you never know, this is football. Last year nobody thought it was possible but 12 points in 10 games... If they lose four..." the Manchester City manager said after their win at Villa Park.

Manchester United FC