Manchester City are stepping up their interest in Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

City chiefs have Soumare, 18, under consideration as a replacement for veteran midfielder Yaya Toure.

And the club's academy director, Brian Marwood, was in France last week to make a scouting check on Soumare. Marwood watched the midfielder in action against Rennes on Wednesday.

However, City will face competition for Soumare's signature should LOSC be willing to sell.

Everton and Leicester City are also watching developments closely.