Chelsea and Manchester City battle for Everton defender tipped as the ‘next Leighton Baines’

Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea are in a battle with Tottenham over Everton’s highly-rated left-back talent Ishe Samuels-Smith, according to reports.

Joining the Goodison Park club at Under-9 level, Ishe Samuels-Smith is renowned in youth circles for his defensive ability, as well as the knowhow when it comes to making runs forward with the ball and creating opportunities for attacking players.

The Manchester-born defender has represented England at Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 level, whilst featuring in Everton’s Under-21 set up in the 2022/23 campaign, despite being just 16-years-old.

Now, the teenager could be about to take the next step up in his exciting young career, with three of the Premier League’s most prestigious clubs keeping a close eye on his development, with one name in particular expected to make a move.

That is according to the information of MailSport’s Simon Jones, who reports that Everton’s promising young left-back is attracting interest from both Chelsea and Manchester City, with the 16-year-old tipped as ‘the next Leighton Baines’.

Having been part of the Everton first team squad since September, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have been following his progress for the past year, with the Stamford Bridge club in particular now reportedly weighing up an offer.

Manchester City are always on the search for ways of refreshing their squad, with the conveyor belt of talent coming out of the City Football Academy now being seen as a crucial source of club revenue, as well as ability for Pep Guardiola’s first-team.

Manchester City’s youth ranks and senior squad have now won a treble of consecutive top-flight trophies at under-18, under-21, and of course, senior level football following this season’s triumphs – further highlighting their strength across the groups.

Tomas Galvez is one of Manchester City’s current left-back starlets, having signed for the Etihad Stadium club back in July 2021, after progressing through the Academy ranks at Championship side Watford.