Manchester City are apparently planning to launch a surprise bid for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

According to the Daily Mail City are lining up the 24-year-old to replace his compatriot Sergio Aguero, who is wanted by Madrid.

It all seems pretty confusing and quite frankly, highly unlikely. There is, of course, always the possibility that City manager Robert Mancini wants to add to his, already talented striker force, but Argentina international Higuain is not the player he was two years ago.

There is also a lot to consider on the Aguero side. He is City’s most dangerous striker, and is playing well in a team that are favourites for the Premier League, and who will undoubtedly be a threat in Europe next season. He also played for Real’s bitter rivals Atletico Madrid before his move to Eastlands.

Money talks though, and Aguero may be persuaded to go back to Spain. Even if he was though, there is no inclination that City will sell, and certainly not for a penny less than the £38million they paid for him.

French-born Higuain is a more likely mover. Arsenal and Chelsea have been long-term admirers, and although he seems to have fallen behind Karim Benzema in the pecking order at Madrid, Higuain is certainly a very talented striker.

After a blistering 2009/2010 season, in which he scored 29 goals, Higuain has been unlucky injuries. Despite this he still hit double figures last season, and is on 17 so far this time round.

He may be looking for a new challenged after five years at Madrid and is still only 24. He has a fantastic strike rate, and whoever does sign him can expect his transfer fee alone, to be upwards of £25 million.