Chelsea lining up January swoop for Wolfsburg striker

Carlo Ancelotti has identified Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko as Chelsea's first choice striker target in this transfer window.

The Bosia Herzegovina striker, who has been watched by every top club in Europe, was thought to be heading to Milan.

But the Italian club last night admitted a deal could be scuppered by the late interest of the Stamford Bridge club.

Edin Dzeko profile: 10 things you need to know - plus watch him scoring goals for fun  

Milan cannot meet the £36m buyout clause in the 23-year-old's contract and want to do a swap deal.

Chelsea, who face an 18-month FIFA transfer ban after this window, are now considering paying the price for the 6 ft 4 in forward who scored against Manchester United in the Champions League this season.

Dzeko, who hit the target 26 times as Wolfsburg won the Bundesliga last season, has also found the net 14 times in 23 internationals.

Ancelotti also has Juventus forward Vicenzo Iaquinta and Giampaolo Pazzini of Sampdoria as potential striking alternatives to bolster his squad on his shopping list.

Before Christmas, Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan the muscular Dzeko was "ideal for the English league".

And Arsene Wenger admitted he liked the Bosnian but he was out of Arsenal's price range.