Manchester City are eyeing Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The Sun says City are plotting a January swoop for Villa striker Benteke in a bid to resolve their attacking injury crisis.

Benteke hit the winner for Villa in yesterday's FA Cup triumph over Blackpool.

Champions City have found their front-line resources stretched to the limit in recent weeks as injuries have robbed them of Sergio Aguero, Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini was forced to play England midfielder James Milner up front.

As the Blues continue their pursuit of a third Premier League title in four seasons and progress to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time, Pellegrini wants reinforcements.

And he has the backing of Sheikh Mansour, whose Abu Dhabi United Group took over at the club in 2008.