Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko is wanted by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Mail on Sunday says the only striker on his radar is Dzeko and Ferguson is ready to step up the increasingly bitter rivalry with neighbours City by entering the race for the 23-year-old Bosnia international.
City are desperate to complete the £20million move in the window but they could lose out if Wolfsburg make them wait until the summer.
"Sir Alex believes Dzeko has a great future in the game but circumstances prevent him doing any business until the summer," said a source. "He is watching the situation closely."