Manchester City are tracking Brescia defensive midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to reports in Italy.

The midfielder has been called up to the Italian senior side by manager Roberto Mancini for the first time despite playing his football in Serie B.

Tonali has been dubbed the ‘new Pirlo’ by many news outlets, with many seeing the similarities in the way he dictates play from a withdrawn role in central midfield.

The 18-year-old has been linked with Chelsea in recent months, with manager Maurizio Sarri reportedly keen on recruiting the teenager.

Italian sides, including Inter Milan, Roma and Juventus are also said to be interested but City have now reportedly entered the running after sending a scout to Tonali’s last league outing.

He played the full 90 minutes for Brescia against Verona on Sunday, and he showed why he is so sought after by scoring a goal and providing an assist in the 4-2 win.

City lost out on a similar player in Jorginho to Chelsea in the summer so their interest in Tonali makes a lot of sense.