But Brian Marwood, City's football administrator, said: "It's straightforward. A lot of these players need to understand and realise they are contracted to their football club. They have to fight for their place.

"What we are trying to create is a very competitive environment at Manchester City.

"Emmanuel is no different to Shay Given, or to other players in the squad who want to be playing.

"We feel if we are to have a successful season we need to have depth in our squad and need to be able to cope with the amount of games we are going to play.

"It's not as if he hasn't played. He's featured in a few games already.

"Any player at the club is salaried, contracted and has obligations."

Adebayor scored 14 goals in 25 outings for City in his first season in Manchester but with City's heavy summer spending which brought in attacking players including David Silva and Mario Balotelli, the former Togo captain seems set for a long spell on the bnench.