Manchester United have reportedly moved to the head of the queue to sign VfL Wolfsburg's highly-rated hitman Edin Dzeko as boss Sir Alex Ferguson seeks to bolster his attacking options at Old Trafford.

The Manchester Evening News claims the United chief has made the Bosnia international his No.1 transfer target in for the January transfer window as he seeks to strengthen his uncharacterstic shoy-shoy side.

Dzeko, 23, shot to prominence last season as he plundered 26 goals in the Bundesliga as Felix Magath's Wolfsburg romped to their first German title in their history.

Having started the new campaign in similar fashion, with nine goals in 15 appearances, the German Footballer of the Year has once again caught the eye of Europe's elite clubs, including AC Milan and Chelsea.

Dzeko impressed Sir Alex when he scored the opener for the Wolves during their narrow 2-1 defeat to United at Old Trafford last month in the UEFA Champions League Group B clash.

And with the two set to meet again at the Volkswagen Arena next month, Ferguson will be given another opportunity to see the 6ft 3in striker at close quarters before possibly tabling a £25million bid in the New Year.

Dzeko was in action for Bosnia on Saturday as they crashed to 1-0 defeat to Portugal in Lisbon in the first leg of their World Cup qualification play-off, with the second leg to come in Sarajevo this Wednesday.