Jack Rodwell is making quite an impression at Everton and the Mail says that Mark Hughes is among the top managers keeping an eye on the 18-year-old prospect's progress.

City's manager would surely argue that it would be remiss of him to do otherwise, but Ian Ladyman's contacts have clearly confirmed that Rodwell is among emerging players being monitored.

Laydo writes that "City have joined the queue of top clubs showing interest in the Everton prodigy" a week after revealing that Manchester United have identified him as a long-term target.

The Mail reports: "Now it has emerged that City manager Mark Hughes is sending scouts to most Everton games. Rodwell is playing as a central midfielder under David Moyes but has been tipped as a top-class central defender of the future, and it is this versatility that has made him such an attractive target for the country’s leading clubs.

"Hughes is looking for more defensive players after seeing his team’s expensive attacking talent undermined this season by uncertainties and deficiencies at the back.

"It is unlikely that Rodwell will be targeted by City as early as January, but a bid next summer is a distinct possibility.

"Rodwell played for Everton’s Under 18s when he was 14 and made his Premier League debut in March last year. He has made 27 appearances for the club so far."