Manchester City are keeping tabs on Dundee United kid Harry Souttar.

It’s a case of history repeating itself for the English club who last season watched Souttar’s older brother and clubmate at Tannadice, John.

Now it’s Harry’s turn and a City scout has become a regular at the Tangerines’ U/20 games in recent times.

Whether or not that leads to any firm attempt to snap him up, possibly for their academy next season, only time will tell.

But it’s understood they have been impressed by the 16-year-old’s progress after seeing his displays for United’s development side.

Like his older brother, he’s a central defender and, at 6ft 6in, physically he fits the bill for the game south of the border.

His progress has not gone unnoticed elsewhere and, along with Ali Coote, last week saw him included in the Scotland U/17 squad for this summer’s European Championship finals in Bulgaria.

It’s highly unlikely any approach from City to get Souttar will be welcomed by United.

Having sold Ryan Gauld, Andrew Robertson, Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven since last summer, the Tangerines are not in a position where they need to sell any more of their young talent.

They see Souttar as a big star of the future and the plan is to hang on to him for several more years.

Following links with a summer swoop for frontman Nadir Ciftci, reports also suggest Celtic may also be interested in a move for John Souttar.