Manchester City Transfers: 4 Strikers Who Could Replace Carlos Tevez

The enigma of Carlos Tevez is one that must confuse Manchester City's hierarchy and the fans. Despite this, you can't help but love watching the Argentina striker in action.

Although his side lost 3-1 at Tottenham, Tevez should have been one of the contenders for man of the match, having a huge hand in displaying the amount of work rate which explains why many refer to him as a "bulldog."

But while his influence at the Etihad Stadium cannot be denied, the 29-year-old has previously expressed his desire to retire after telling an Argentinian radio station back in 2010 that he wished to return to Argentina in three years' time.

Of course, Manchester City have won the FA Cup and Premier League since that interview, and Tevez's relationship with manager Roberto Mancini has blossomed, with the former Boca Juniors forward seemingly adopting a more mature attitude towards his football career.

Tevez has even hinted at staying beyond his contract, which expires in 2014, according to the Mirror. Let's just assume he is leaving; who would you want to replace Tevez at the Lancashire-based club?

Take a peek at who we believe could replace the former Manchester United striker. Remember, your comments and opinions are welcomed as always.

Robert Lewandowski (Dortmund)

After his four-goal heroics against Real Madrid, the rising stock of Robert Lewandowski has just reached another level.

The Pole was in sensational form as he single-handedly tore apart Jose Mourinho's side, scoring all four goals in the 4-1 stunning victory.

The former Lech Poznan striker's reputation has skyrocketed in the past two seasons, with Lewandowski notching an unstoppable total of 35 goals in 43 appearances.

As shown against Real Madrid, it's not just his powerful frame or finishing ability which has seen him become one of the most feared strikers in Europe. For a towering forward, his technical ability and first touch is one of his key attributes, and his general linkup play with Mario Gotze and Marco Reus is devastating at times.

Dortmund are seemingly resigned to letting him leave, with the 24-year-old's contract ending next summer, and a fee of around £30 million could be enough to secure his signature.

However, the Guardian among other media sources have received quotes from his agent claiming that he has already agreed terms with another club.

If that is not the case, you can guarantee that Manchester City would be quick to agree a deal, possibly involving Edin Dzeko moving the other way.

Edinson Cavani (Napoli)

When you consider Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis placed a £60 million price tag on the head of the former Palermo star, it is to some surprise that Cavani still has Europe's elite closely following him.

The Uruguayan international has quickly become one of world football's hottest properties after his excellent goalscoring record since joining Napoli in 2010, hitting an impressive total of 72 goals in 100 Serie A games for the Partonopei. 

His pace, power and all-around ability is just what Manchester City need, with Tevez and Sergio Aguero more suited to the ball played on the ground, while Edin Dzeko is less mobile than the Argentine duo.

City, along with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, are all known to be ready to get their chequebooks out to sign the 26-year-old, with some reports suggesting Cavani has already agreed terms with the City and PSG.

The two sides look set to battle it out as the forward looks towards the exit, which is supposedly fuelled by the star's recent divorce from his wife. And a change of location looks likely, with De Laurentiis reluctant to sell to another Serie A rival, even if they could afford him.

If Napoli do lose their prized asset this summer, expect Roberto Mancini to make a personal plea for him to join the 2011-12 Premier League champions as they look to regain the title from rivals Manchester United.

Radamel Falcao

One of the most wanted strikers in the world at the moment, it's difficult to predict just where Atletico Madrid's record signing Radamel Falcao will be going this summer. It seems that his future no longer lies in Madrid, or does it?

Not at the Vicente Calderon, at least, but if reports are to be believed, Real Madrid are willing to break their gentlemen's agreement with their neighborhood rivals and attempt to thrash out a deal to bring the Colombian international to the Santiago Bernabeu.

If Manchester City have anything to do with it, they certainly have the financial muscle to offer Falcao a deal that will set him up for life. Of course, they are likely to face competition from Chelsea and PSG, the only other sides who could realistically afford the 26-year-old.

To complicate matters further, Manchester United were strongly linked with an audacious move for the former Porto star, but it seems their interest may have cooled after bulking at the £50 million price tag.

If he were to move to Eastlands, and therefore the Premier League, it would most certainly be an ideal fit; with pace, aerial ability and strength, his playing style suits the physicality that the Premier League offers.

And while they would face competition to sign him, with playmakers such as David Silva and Samir Nasri around him, he would be a contender for the Golden Boot award without a doubt.

Luciano Vietto (Racing Club)

Many of you who choose not to branch out your football obsession as far as Argentina may not know Luciano Vietto at the moment, but in the future, you will do.

Vietto is one of the most highly-rated talents to come off the Argentina production line in recent years, and there's almost something in him which is uncannily like Lionel Messi. His low center of gravity and balance enable him to dance around the opposition, despite standing at just 5'8".

His dribbling ability and confidence on the ball is somewhat reminiscent of the Barcelona star, with the 19-year-old starlet showing early signs of his potential with some stunning performances in the Argentine Primera Division.

He has bagged eight goals in 27 appearances as Racing Club continue to display the talent among their ranks, with winger Ricardo Centurion also lined up with a big-money move to Europe with Anzhi Makhachkala, but the transfer fell through.

It's unlikely that Vietto would want to move to the Premier League due to his tender age and may be advised to seek a transfer to either the Serie A or La Liga, which would suit his style and lack of physicality. 

On the other hand, signing a future international star could be a good option for Roberto Mancini if, as expected, Tevez decides to leave when his contract expires in 2014.

Out with the old, in with the new, as they say.