Manchester City hope to land Arsenal striker Robin van Persie with the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Sun says City hope to seal the signature of Van Persie by selling Adebayor to Tottenham for £5million.

Spurs, now prepared to deliver a massive U-turn and pay nearly all of Adebayor's £170,000-a-week wages, aim to do the deal this week.

City believe the transfer would be a major step towards landing Arsenal's skipper, as the Dutchman is not on speaking terms with the Togo star.

Van Persie, who insists he does not want to sign a new Emirates contract, is understood to be keen on a move to the Etihad. But City boss Roberto Mancini is aware there is no way Van Persie will go near the club if Adebayor remains.