Wolfsburg ace Dzeko in talks with City

EDIN DZEKO’S representatives are in talks over the player possibly moving to Manchester City, it’s been claimed.

The Wolfsburg striker, who is a target of several of Europe’s biggest clubs, has been in prolific form for his club since joining from Czech side Teplice in 2007.

The 24-year-old was set to be new manager and former England boss Steve McClaren’s prized possession if he could keep hold of the classy target man, but it seems that City’s huge amounts of financial resources could prise Dzeko away.

The Bosnian international’s record of 54 goals in 94 games for his club appears to be enough to have persuaded City boss Roberto Mancini to part with the required funds to land the player, despite a wealth of striking options available to him.

If Dzeko is to make the move to Eastlands, it could spell the end of the line for some of his potential competition, with Roque Santa Cruz, Emmanuel Adebayor, Craig Bellamy and Robinho all rumoured to be heading towards the exit door.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon committed to Juventus and the new plans of coach Luigi Del Neri last night having previously expressed doubts about his future following the club’s dreadful season.

“I want to remain at Juve, for the project and the affection of the fans,” Buffon told reporters at Italy’s pre-World Cup training camp in the Alps.

“From here on, whoever arrives will have to spill blood. This year has been a disaster. Now though we must return to having players with the will to sacrifice, with the mentality of Juve.”

Birmingham’s new 6ft 8in striker Nikola Zigic has set himself high standards after insisting he wants to be better than Peter Crouch.

Blues signed the Serbia international from Valencia on a four-year contract for around £6 million (€7m) this week.

“You could say I am similar to Peter Crouch but I aim to be better than Peter, maybe use my height a little bit better. I am determined to use my physique to the advantage of the club.”

Meanwhile the agent of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has brushed aside rumours linking his client with a move to AC Milan or any other club.

The arrival of Spanish striker David Villa to Barcelona this month increased speculation that the Sweden international could move away from the Nou Camp this summer.

Reports in the Italian press linked Ibrahimovic, who joined Barca from Inter Milan a year ago, with a move to AC Milan.

Ibrahimovic’s agent Mino Raiola said to Sky Italia: “Milan? They have never asked us for him (Ibrahimovic).

“But based on newspapers reports, Ibrahimovic has already gone to Juventus, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

“But (Barcelona’s outgoing president Joan) Laporta has already stated he is not for sale and Ibra is very happy in Barcelona.”

However Raiola did not rule out Ibrahimovic going to the Premier League at a later stage in his career.

“Ibra has never considered Barca to be his last club,” Raiola said.

“He will still have to go somewhere else because he is someone similar to (Inter coach Jose) Mourinho and if he is able to win everything, he will need new motivations.

“England could be a possible destination because it would be a new challenge.

“But right now his short-term future is at Barcelona.”

The 28-year-old Ibrahimovic is under contract with Barca until June 2014.

* Leeds United have made goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel their first signing after gaining promotion to the Championship.