Man City chief Brian Marwood checks on Boubakary Soumare

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Manchester City academy chief Brian Marwood checks on Boubakary Soumare
Marwood travelled to France last Wednesday to watch him play for Lille
The 18-year-old 6ft2ins midfielder has been dubbed the 'new Paul Pogba'
Leicester and Everton have both shown a strong interest in the Frenchman

Published: 11:56 EDT, 21 January 2018 | Updated: 19:37 EDT, 21 January 2018

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Manchester City academy chief Brian Marwood has made a personal check on £20million-rated Lille teenager Boubakary Soumare who is dubbed the new Paul Pogba.

Marwood travelled to France last Wednesday to watch 18-year-old Soumare play in Lille's 2-1 defeat against Rennes.

Competition is hotting up for the 6ft2ins midfielder with Everton and Leicester also showing a strong interest.

Manchester City, Leicester and Everton are all interested in signing Lille's Boubakary Soumare

Despite his age, Soumare has become a first-team regular for Lille after signing from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. Sportsmail revealed City's interest in him earlier this month.

Marwood, whose official title at The Etihad is managing director of football services, is responsible for identifying the best emerging talent from around the world but Lille are aware City are not the only interested party.

Leicester have had previous success in the French market with N'Golo Kante and their former director of football Steve Walsh now works for Everton who are looking to emulate that success.

Lille are currently struggling at the foot of the Ligue 1 table in France and could sell Soumare this month in order to finance other signings.

Soumare's strength and mobility are reminiscent of Pogba who left Manchester United for Juventus around the same age.