Tottenham are hoping for Manchester City assistance in their bid for striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Sunday Mirror says Tottenham cannot afford to pay ­Adebayor's wages, so they are trying to agree a deal that would see them sign the Togo striker on a free, pay a percentage of the final two years of his City contract in a lump sum and then put him in line with the club's other top earners.

City are still holding out for at least a minimal fee for Adebayor, but realise by getting him off the books they can save around £16m in wages.