Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester City wants Jermain Defoe as Carlos Tevez replacement
Manchester City have emerged as a shock candidate in the race to sign out-of-favour Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe. [LNB]The Spurs frontman has been open in his frustration at a lack of opportunities at White Hart Lane this term, having fallen foul of a new 'one-up-top' formation. [LNB]And City's need to strengthen their own multi-million pound strikeforce looks likely to be increased in the summer with the expected departure of Carlos Tevez, according to the People.[LNB] Out with the old: Could Carlos Tevez be replaced by Jermain Defoe at Eastlands?[LNB]In truth, it has been a disappointing season on all fronts for Defoe, blighted by injuries, having initially damaged his ankle on international duty, and poor form. [LNB]Speaking exclusively to Sportsmail this week, Defoe said: 'You start to think: "What am I doing here?" I'm used to playing in big games. I've played in big games for my clubs and for my country. It'll be a tough game. I hope I'm playing and if I can score and we win the game then it'll be great. [LNB]'But I remember playing against Charlton and scoring two goals (in a 3-0 FA Cup win in January), then the next weekend I missed out.[LNB]'I was upset about that because once I start scoring I'm confident and I have the feeling I know I'll score in the next game. We played Manchester United and I thought, "I'm playing", but I didn't start.'[LNB]Defoe only broke his Premier League duck for the campaign last weekend, scoring twice in a 3-3 draw at Wolves. But he was back on the bench for Wednesday's momentous Champions League clash with AC Milan. [LNB] Missing out: Defoe failed to get onto the pitch for Tottenham's Champions League triumph over AC Milan[LNB]With Harry Redknapp opting to use Peter Crouch as a lone forward, supported by Rafael van der Vaart, the larger-framed Roman Pavlyuchenko has jumped ahead of the 28-year-old former West Ham man in the pecking order.[LNB]Tottenham would rather avoid selling to a Premier League rival, especially one who are the most likely to be the main barrier between the club and a return to the Champions League next season. [LNB]However Redknapp remains keen on Craig Bellamy, the wantaway City striker currently on loan at Cardiff, and a swap deal may be encouraged by both parties. [LNB]Redknapp signed Defoe from Portsmouth for ?15million in January 2009, having brought him to Fratton Park from White Hart Lane a year earlier.[LNB] Redknapp: Defoe will have to wait his turn to start up front for Tottenham Leo's London: Wenger needs to calm down or pressure will transfer to teamI almost quit! Defoe reveals frustration at Tottenham's squad rotationAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinionAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Roman Pavlyuchenko, Harry Redknapp, Carlos Tevez, Jermain Defoe Places: Cardiff
