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City considering Swansea star Michu and Villa hitman Benteke if Lewandowski bid fails
MANCHESTER CITY are compiling a three-man shortlist of strikers to reinforce the forwards at Manuel Pellegrini's disposal next season, following the sale of Carlos Tevez.
Mario Balotelli initially depleted City's attacking resources in January, and Pellegrini is keen to bolster a forward line that now resembles just Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko.
Borussia Dortmund marksman Robert Lewandowski is the Citizens first choice transfer target this summer, after he impressed last term for the German outfit during their run to the Champions League final.
And although Dortmund could be tempted to cash in on the £20million-rated Pole this summer, rather than lose him for free at the end of next season, publicly they have indicated a desire to retain the 24-year-old for the upcoming campaign.
Therefore, City are weighing up their options in the transfer market, with Swansea forward Michu and Aston Villa goalscorer Christian Benteke high on their agenda.
Last season Michu finished fifth in the Premier League top scorers chart with 18 goals to his name, while Benteke outdid the Spaniard by one strike to end the campaign in fourth.
Swansea maintain that Michu is not for sale, but offers of £20m-plus could see chairman Huw Jenkins cash in on a player that cost £2m just 12 months ago.
Meanwhile, Benteke has intimated he is looking to leave Villa this summer, although City will face competition from Arsenal, Tottenham and abroad to land the Belgian.