Barcelona are encouraging Manchester City to bid for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Daily Star says Barca have given Manchester City the green light to buy striker Ibrahimovic.

Roberto Mancini wants his former Inter Milan star, 28, at Eastlands for next season to spearhead their attempt to get into the Champions League.

He wants to use City's unsettled Brazilian hitman Robinho, 26, as part of the deal.

Barcelona held a board meeting yesterday and have agreed to Swede ­Ibrahimovic's exit.