Spurs Near Adebayor Deal as City Make Room for Dutchman - Report

Emmanuel Adebayor is set to be the highest-paid player in Tottenham Hotspur's history as the Togo striker nears a £6mn move from Manchester City to White Hart Lane, reports the Daily Mail.

The 28-year-old will sign a three-year contract worth £115,000-per-week, along with a £4mn signing-on bonus and earn a permanent move to Spurs, after notching up 17 goals and 11 assists for the north London club in the league last season, on loan.

The transfer will pave the way for Roberto Mancini's side to make an approach for Arsenal captain and their long-time target Robin Van Persie, according to The Sun. City know that they must take out some of the big-earners and fringe players from the wage bill as they look to make an offer for the Dutchman.

The report says that City will move for van Persie only after the completion of the Adebayor-Tottenham deal, as the two players are not on talking terms with each other. The duo had clashed three seasons ago at the Etihad Stadium when Adebayor, having just moved from Arsenal to City, raked his studs across van Persie's face and also stamped on former captain Cesc Fabregas's leg. And in a statement on Arsenal's official website, the Holland international said he was "sad and disappointed" by Adebayor's "mindless and malicious stamp".

City are said to be preparing a £15mn initial offer for van Persie, who has refused to extend his current Arsenal contract that runs out this summer. Serie A Champions Juventus and City's derby rivals Manchester United also remain linked to the striker, after big-spending Paris Saint-Germain revealed that the 28-year-old is not a target for them.

Spurs launch bid for Lascelles

Meanwhile, Tottenham have lodged a bid for highly rated Nottingham Forest defender Jamaal Lascelles, who also remains a target for Arsenal, reports the Daily Mirror.

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of England's brightest young talents after impressing during a loan stint at League One outfit Stevenage last season. Forest had reportedly rejected a £5mn bid from Arsenal in 2011.

Aston Villa and Everton are also said to be monitoring the England Under-19 international, who has just a year remaining on his contract with the Foresters.