Manchester City are leading the race for Cardiff City youngster Adam Matthews.

The Mirror says the 18 year-old right-back has been trailed this season by a posse of Premier League clubs and informal talks opened before Christmas between the Bluebirds and Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson's scouts are still watching Cardiff games but City have been alerted to Mathews' ability and are the favourites to land the player in a £6million summer deal.

Cardiff are offering the youngster a new contract but their current financial problems are likely to make it impossible for them to reject a substantial move from the Eastlands club.