Manchester City's scouts have joined Liverpool's talent spotters in watching the progress of Lazio sensation Keita Balde Diao.

The 18-year-old forward is quickly making a name for himself at Lazio having made his senior team debut earlier this term, appearing for the first time in Serie A against Chievo Verona, a game his side won 3-0.

According to Sky Italia, Liverpool were the first English side on Keita's tail and have been swiftly joined by Manchester City, who are determined not to be muscled out of the race for the Spanish-born starlet.

Keita was developed in Barcelona's famous youth system before leaving for Lazio in the summer of 2011.

Long marked out for big things, the 18-year-old is under contract with the Serie A outfit until 2017.

Keita has clocked up seven appearances in the Italian top flight for Lazio so far this term, scoring twice.

He has also turned out for the Rome-based outfit in the Europa League, a competition in which he has provided four assists for his teammates.

Source: InsideFutbol