Manchester City step up scouting Newcastle United’s 21-year-old defensive target

Manchester City are reportedly closely monitoring Netherlands international defender Jetro Willems, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Premier League side, who currently lie fourth in the English top-flight standings following last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to the hands of arch rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium, were spotted watching the PSV Eindhoven left-back in action against France on Friday night.

The 21-year-old, who has 16 international caps for his country, has scored one goal and provided two assists in 14 appearances in all competitions for the Eredivisie outfit so far this season.

Willems, who was thrown into the deep end when selected for the Netherlands at Euro 2012 as an 18-year-old, is now back in favour for his country and has alerted City to his impressive displays this term.

The report suggests that the young defender was also a transfer target for fellow Premier League side Newcastle United during the January window, although the Citizens have now stepped up their scouting of the player intensively since.