Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is reportedly preparing a £12million bid for Bayern Munich left-back Phhilipp Lahm in the January transfer window.

The Sun claims that Hughes nipped out Germany to watch the 26-year-old in action last month, and is now keen to make him the latest addition to City's Abu Dhabi-funded revolution at Eastlands.

The City boss had long been rumoured to be in the market for at least one new full-back come January as he is understood to have grown increasingly frustrated by the below-par performances of Wayne Bridge.

Lahm is a sure-fire first choice for both Bayern and Germany having been an ever present in the Bundesliga this season, and likewise did not miss a single game in his national side's World Cup qualifying campaign.

Notable for his attacking potency as well as his defensive assuredness, the rampaging wing back has been heavily linked with Manchester United in the past.

However, Hughes will be confident of landing his man ahead of City's close rivals in January, while Lahm could very well be open to the switch after a recent dispute with the Bayern hierarchy resulted in him being heavily fined.