Adebayor going nowhere

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insists that Emmanuel Adebayor will remain at the club.

Speculation has mounted that the Italian coach could be ready to let go of the African striker, as he looks to re-shape his side during the summer.

Adebayor netted 14 goals in 26 Premier League appearances for the Blues last term, but could not ensure a fourth-placed finish for the Eastlands outfit.

But Mancini says he will be an important player for the club next season, as they finally try and break into the much-coveted UEFA Champions League places.

“Adebayor stays with us,” he said. “He’s a major player and he will be a protagonist next season.

” City have already been linked with a number of strikers, with the likes of Mario Balotelli, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edin Dzeko all names in the frame.

But while Mancini admits he is keeping tabs on certain players, he would not reveal who in particular is under consideration.

He added: “We are following some players who can improve the team but many names that I’ve read in the newspapers are untrue.

“Balotelli, Ibrahimovic and Dzeko are three players that I like, three very strong strikers that would do very well in England and that could change the face of any team.

“This doesn’t mean they will come at Manchester City. Balotelli is a young player with great quality but I don’t think that Inter want to sell him.

“We’ll see, it is still early to talk about the market.

” On a possible return to Inter, Mancini remarked: “At the moment my return at Inter is impossible. I’m focused only on Manchester City.”