Manchester City and Chelsea are locked in a battle to sign Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, according to reports in the English media.

The Citizens are said to be targeting the France Under 21 international as a potential successor for David Silva, with the Spaniard having decided to leave the Etihad at the end of the season.

Aouar’s ability to play in a number of positions in midfield is believed to be the key reason why the likes of City, Chelsea and Juventus have all been tracking the player.

Lyon will be prepared to let the Frenchman leave with the Ligue One side having failed to qualify for Europe following the curtailment of the league season in France.

The club’s president Jean-Michel Aulas is currently holding out for €50m (£45m) as he hopes to auction the player off in order to make up the shortfall in the team’s budget.

However, teams like City will be aware that he is desperate to sell and may only make a move if he lowers his asking price.