The Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor claims Juventus have struck a deal to sign him on loan in January.

Never shy in voicing his frustration, the 26-year-old former Arsenal player has played an increasingly peripheral role under Roberto Mancini and, according to the player himself, the Serie A club have already negotiated a deal to sign him at the turn of the year.

Adebayor told Sport/Foot Magazine: "I don't know what I did wrong to Roberto Mancini, but he never makes me play.

"I'm going to change air during the transfer window in January. And I can tell you that City has already reached an agreement with Juventus for a loan. I therefore expect to be able to leave in December."

Despite the Togolese striker's bold claims, Sky Sports suggests the £25m signing from Arsenal may struggle to complete his move, because Juventus already have one non-EU player in their squad and therefore the 26-year-old would be prevented from playing under Serie A rules.

City themselves say they are not in a position to know whether the comments are genuine. However, they have refuted Adebayor's claim that he is on his way to Turin.

What cannot be denied is that the player is not impressed by making just 12 appearances in all competitions this term, and starting only six of those matches.

Even a Europa League hat-trick against Lech Poznan has failed to earn him a regular spot in Mancini's plans and it is now almost certain that should City receive a reasonable bid – or a loan offer that would benefit all parties – Adebayor will be on his way.