Manchester City have joined the race to sign Everton starlet Jack Rodwell , according to a report in the Daily Mail this morning.

According to Ian Ladyman, "it has emerged that City manager Mark Hughes is sending scouts to most Everton games to monitor the 18-year-old’s progress. 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."

Ladyman adds: "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."

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Rodwell for some time. The 18-year-old is contracted to Everton until the end of season 2013/2014.

Jack Rodwell has played 14 matches this season in the Premier League and Europa League. He was named as an IMScouting Player to Watch in September, the scouting report can be seen here.