Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko (Picture AP)

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has handed striker Edin Dzeko a boost after insisting the Bosnian will be his first-choice striker next season.

Dzeko found himself somewhat out of favour under former boss Roberto Mancini starting just 16 matches in his two full season’s at the Etihad.

However, despite competition from the likes of Sergio Aguero and new signings Stevan Jovetic and Alvaro Negredo, Pellegrini appears to be putting his faith in Dzeko.

Manchester City boss Pellegrini (Picture AP)

‘We could have signed other players but I consider [Dzeko] the main striker of the team and I’m sure his performance along the season will be really good,’ said Pellegrini.




The former Malaga boss is currently in Germany preparing his side for the Audi Cup which is hosted by Bayern Munich and also features AC Milan and Sao Paulo.

One player missing from the squad is Matija Nastasic who suffered an injury in City’s 1-0 Asia Trophy final win over Sunderland on Saturday.

Pellegrini said: ‘We will know on Tuesday how bad Nastasic’s injury is and whether he needs surgery.’