Manchester City are rivaling Manchester United for Everton defender Jack Rodwell.

The Daily Mail says United have identified the Everton midfielder as a long-term target, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson asking about Rodwell's personality and prospects.

Now 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.