Manchester City flop Edin Dzeko facing the axe

Posted Wednesday, March 18, 2015 by Dailystar.co.uk

MANCHESTER CITY flop Edin Dzeko is facing a battle to avoid the axe at the end of the season.

Etihad bosses are starting to run out of patience with the Bosnian striker and could now listen to offers for him this summer.

Dzeko signed a contract extension in August 2014 that tied him to the Premier League champions until 2018.

But Starsport understands club chiefs now have serious doubts about his long-term future and will consider bids in the region of £20m in the hope of getting the £140,000-a-week forward off the wage bill.

Dzeko joined City from Wolfsburg for £27m in 2011 when Roberto Mancini was boss and has helped them win the FA Cup and two Premier League titles.

Manchester City flop Edin Dzeko facing the axe
ON HIS WAY OUT: Edin Dzeko could be leaving Manchester City

He was poised to leave before Mancini was sacked, but was given a second chance once the Italian left.

But Dzeko has scored just six goals this season and suffered constant problems with his form and fitness.

Pellegrini has been keen to have four top-class strikers in his squad, but the Chilean is also facing the axe at the end of this season.

And now it has emerged that Dzeko could well follow him through the Etihad exit door should a club meet City's asking price.

Dzeko has scored just twice since September and is having his worst season since arriving in Manchester.

The recent arrival of Wilfried Bony in a £30m deal has piled the pressure on Dzeko, who has been unable to respond.

He started ahead of Bony in Sunday's shock 1-0 defeat at Burnley but was woeful before being hauled off after an hour.

It is understood there are serious concerns that Dzeko is not good enough to make an impact at the highest level as City continue to struggle in the Champions League.

A source told Starsport: "It looks like the decision to hand him a new contract was a mistake. He's done well in the past, but this season has been difficult and he no longer looks like one of those players who can help City reach the next level."