Italian giants Inter Milan are interested in signing Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko as a long term replacement for Diego Milito, according to the Metro.

Media in Italy claim that Inter are on the search for a long term successor for their Argentine striker who has bagged 107 goals in three years at the San Siro club.

Dzeko has struggled to hold down a regular first team place at Manchester City and has been part of manager Roberto Mancini's regular rotation of his strikers.

Despite that, the tall Bosnian has hit an impressive 9 goals in just under nine games worth of league football for the Citizens this season, the best strike rate out of anyone else at the club.

The 26-year-old arrived from Wolfsburg for £27million in January 2011 and it is suggested that he would consider a move away from the Etihad, but only if he is offered Champions League football.

Inter currently sit fifth in Serie A, two points off the top three and a Champions league place.

The reported fee the Italians would have to pay in order to prize the striker away from Manchester is in the region of £24million, as City would obviously be reluctant to make too big a loss on the player.

Mancini has been linked with the likes of Edinson Cavani, while striker Mario Balotelli's future continues to come under scrutiny.

The resolving of these situations will also no doubt be vital before any possible move for Dzeko coud happen.

[cat_link cat="manchester-city" type="grid"]