Mark Hughes’ Manchester City have, according to reports, joined Everton and Fulham in the race to clinch the signature of highly rated Swedish midfielder Rasmus Elm.

The 21-year-old is rated as one of the hottest properties in Scandinavian football at the moment and is reportedly keen on leaving his current club Kalmar FF, in order to make the step up to the next level.

Dutch side Heerenveen and French outfit Valenciennes have both had bids for the player rejected, while it had been thought that Everton were the front runners to sign him.

However, it has now emerged that moneybags Manchester City have sent a scout to observe Elm with a view to getting in ahead of the Toffees to sign the midfielder.

"It is correct that Manchester City will be here," Kalmar FF chairman Jonny Pettersson told Sportbladet.

"The more clubs who are interested, the better for us.

"What is important is to find a solution which is good for both Rasmus and us."

Pettersson confirmed that Everton have yet to make an offer, but he did admit that two offers were on the table for the player.

"A serious offer has not come in from Everton. We have got offers from another English club and a Dutch one," he explained.

Mathew Burt, Goal.com