The race for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria is heating up.

Swiss international Zakaria came off the bench against Augsburg on November 21 for his first game since March and has since featured twice more.

It was his performances last term that caught the eye before he was sidelined, helping Gladbach to seal Champions League football.

His return to fitness has re-ignited the interest from potential suitors, and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are reportedly one of those keen.

And Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano told his Here We Go podcast that City have already been in contact with Zakaria's agent.

He said: “Manchester City are focusing on Zakaria, he is so appreciated by the board, they are following him, they are in contact with his agent.

“So he's for sure on the list of Manchester City, there is nothing advanced yet because they are not negotiating yet with Borussia Monchengladbach, they need time."

Further reports claimed last month that both Manchester United and Chelsea were looking at making a move for the attacker, reports The Sun.

United are in need for a defensive midfielder to replace the ageing Nemanja Matic, who turned 32 in August.

Meanwhile Frank Lampard is looking for alternatives to West Ham's Declan Rice having failed to prise him away from the London Stadium.