Manchester City chasing Saint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma.

The People says City boss Roberto Mancini is keen to recruit at the back and his spies, headed by Patrick Vieira, have sent back rave reviews on the strong teenager who is playing every week for Les Verts. Zouma, 18, would move to the Premier League to compete for a game and he is primed for a switch next month - or in the summer if City decide to keep their ­current options.

However if veteran Toure goes, with his contract about to run out, then Zouma's move would be brought forward ­although the price is yet to be agreed.

Zouma has already been a guest of Manchester United this season.