Spurs have expressed an interest in the Manchester City striker but face competition from Inter and Napoli, while Bosnia team-mate Miralem Pjanic thinks he would suit Serie A
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey
Tottenham have joined the race to sign Edin Dzeko as they step up plans to reinforce their front line.
But the Manchester City striker is keen to stay at Etihad Stadium until the end of the season before deciding on his next club.
Spurs have expressed an interest in the Bosnia international, who is also being closely monitored by Inter and Napoli.
Dzeko has slipped behind Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo in the forward pecking order at City but has still scored seven goals in 11 starts for the club this season.
The 27-year-old has spoken of his frustration at not being a regular starter yet he is not expected to push for a transfer in the January window and City have no intention of allowing him to go out on loan.
Dzeko will have one year left on his contract by the summer and will be in a strong position to negotiate a cut-price move.
The striker’s international team-mate, Roma attacking midfielder Miralem Pjanic, has urged him to consider a move to Serie A.
“I’m in contact with him and I know he aspires to play more and feel more important,’ he told Sport Mediaset.
“We hope he plays more. Here in Italy he would be very good. Of course, he belongs to Manchester City but I do not know how long for.”
Tottenham technical director Franco Baldini is believed to have made contact with Dzeko’s representatives as Spurs explore opportunities to reinforce their stuttering forward line.
Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor will both be allowed to leave White Hart Lane if replacements can be found, while first choice striker Roberto Soldado has scored only a single league goal from open play since his £26 million move from Valencia last summer.
Defoe has held talks with Toronto about a possible January move but he is understood to be keen on a move to former club West Ham.