Andre Villas-Boas gives green light to Emmanuel Adebayor chase

Andre Villas-Boas has reportedly given Tottenham Hotspur chiefs his blessing to pursue the permanent signing of Manchester City forward Emmanuel Adebayor.

The 28-year-old Togolese, who earns £170,000 per week at present, spent last season on loan at White Hart Lane, scoring 18 goals.

Tottenham, who are expected to unveil Villas-Boas as their new manager next week, are unlikely to be willing to match ­Adebayor's current wages.

Instead, they are trying to agree a deal that would see them sign the player without a transfer fee, then pay a percentage of the final two years of his City contract in a lump sum, according to The Mirror.

It is understood that City boss Roberto Mancini is keen on bringing Arsenal hitman Robin van Persie to the Etihad Stadium and must offload one of his squad's high-earning players in order to accommodate the Dutchman.