Manchester United and Manchester City are going head-to-head for Bolton Wanderers striker Nicolas Anelka.

The Mirror says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants £12million Anelka to solve his striker crisis, while City's Sven Goran Eriksson is keen to bring the Frenchman back to his former club to spice up his attack.

With Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha injured and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having announced his retirement, Carlos Tevez is the only fit recognised striker United boss Fergie currently has at his disposal.

Fergie had hoped to sign Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov, but Spurs have refused to sell their £25mrated star and the United boss has been forced to turn his attention to the brooding Anelka.