Manchester City are ready to make a bid for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The People says City are lining up a £20million bid for Aston Villa strike sensation Benteke.

Roberto Mancini is planning a swoop for the Belgian star who he sees as the man to fill the gap left by Mario Balotelli.

And with Edin Dzeko's City future in doubt Mancini knows he needs a physical threat in attack next season - if he survives as manager.

City chief scout Gary Worthington saw Benteke score twice at Everton last week and he also notched a double at Liverpool.