- The 28-year-old Mpenza is contracted with the Belgian giants until 2008 but the M.E.N. has reported that he would jump at the chance to move to the Premiership.
The Belgium international, born in the Congo, has power and pace, a wealth of Champions League experience, and can even be used in midfield too.
With Craig Bellamy set to join Birmingham and complications in trying to sign Wolves' Henri Camara, who is on loan at Celtic, Mpenza has joined Tottenham's Robbie Keane at the top of City's wishlist.
The Republic of Ireland star has slipped down the pecking order at Spurs, following the arrival of one-time City target Mido and Mounir El Hamdaou, and would therefore have a greater chance of first-team football at City.
- Nicolas Anelka spent yesterday in Paris talking personal terms with Fenerbahce officials and underwent a medical.
The £7m deal is almost complete but there are fears that Anelka's advisers could tout him around to attract a rival bid.