Stockport County are poised to make a sensational swoop for former City and Blackburn striker Benjani.

The 32-year-old has been without a club since his release from Ewood Park at the end of last season.

County boss Dietmar Hamann, who knows Benjani from their time together at City, has given the former Zimbabwe international the green light to train with the
Hatters ahead of the new season. He took part in his first training session at Manor Farm yesterday. And without another offer on table, Hamann is refusing to rule out the possibility of Benjani turning out in the Blue Square Premier next season.

Benjani cost City £3.87m when he moved from Portsmouth to City in January 2008. But with first-team opportunities limited, he played eight games on loan at Sunderland before making a permanent switch to Blackburn in 2010.

Hamann is desperate to bolster his attacking options before the first game of the season against Forest Green on Friday. He had a £100,000 bid for Bury striker Ryan Lowe rejected before the 32-year-old pledged his future to the Shakers.

County have had an offer for Halifax striker Jamie Vardy knocked back and have also registered an interest in Fleetwood’s George Donnelly.

Hamann has brought in nine new faces since taking charge at Edgeley Park but director Tony Evans has promised they won’t be the last.

“There are more players to follow with Didi and Willie McStay proving a very attractive coaching team,” said Evans.

“Some have turned down bigger moves to come and play under our management team.” Tweet