Bolton boss Gary Megson is reportedly preparing a bid to lure out of favour Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari to the Reebok Stadium as he looks to steer the club clear of the relegation zone.

The Trotters currently occupy 18th position in the Premier League having registered just 11 points from their opening 12 games this season.

Bolton's recent form has prompted renewed speculation over the future of Megson as fans made their anger known after watching the side lose 2-0 at home to Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

But chairman Phil Gartside has given the dreaded vote of confidence to the under-fire boss and Megson is now looking to bolster his attacking options when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

According to Sky Sports News, the former West Brom and Nottingham Forest chief has earmarked Benjani as the player to fire his side to safety.

Benjani has fallen down the pecking order at Eastland’s following an influx of new strikers over the summer with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz all preventing his path to regular football.

City boss Mrk Hughes is thought to be willing to accept a cut price £1.5million fee for the Zimbabwe international, with Wigan Athletic and West Ham United also understood to be keeping a close eye on the situation.

The 31-year-old may be an attractive proposition for a number of Premier League clubs as he will be available for the remainder of the season, with Zimbabwe having failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.