The Trotters are desperate to add to their attacking options when the transfer window reopens in the New Year and Sky Sports understands they have earmarked Benjani as the player to fire them to safety.

The Zimbabwe international has a wealth of Premier League experience having moved to England in 2006 when he joined Portsmouth from Auxerre.

Benjani has fallen down Mark Hughes' pecking order following an influx of new strikers over the summer with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz barring his path to regular football.

It is thought City could be ready to accept a cut price £1.5million fee for Benjani, with Wigan and West Ham also monitoring the situation.

Benjani may be an attractive proposition for a number of Premier League clubs as he will be available for the remainder of the season, with Zimbabwe having failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.

He has recently recovered from injury and is expected to be in City's squad to play Hull City at the weekend.