Birmingham City stance clear as Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham chase wonderkid

Promising midfielder Menzi Mazwi has never played a senior game for Birmingham but his stock is already mightily high, with clubs in the Premier League and across Europe keen on acquiring his services.

The 18-year-old, well-regarded by coaches within Blues’ academy, is out of contract this June. Birmingham are desperate to keep hold of Mazwi but the decision is out of the club’s hands, even with a new and improved three-year deal offered to the player.

Football Insider reports Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham are all keen on signing Mazwi this summer to boost their respective youth ranks. There’s interest from abroad, too, as Bayern Munich and Red Bull Leipzig seek to offer the midfielder a venture to Germany.

Blues’ recent relegation to League One could provide a decent opportunity for Mazwi to break through as several first-teamers are expected to depart. But the excitement behind a chance at Birmingham will likely be trumped by the huge openings on offer elsewhere.

Birmingham to lose another wonderkid

Mazwi isn’t the only promising midfielder on the move as Jordan James, already a key player in the first team, has decided he wants to leave the club. The 10-time Wales international, still just 19, is being eyed by recent Europa League winners Atalanta and a host of Premier League clubs.

Blues rejected three bids from for James in January - all from Atalanta - but the recent relegation has killed their chances of convincing the player to stay. Having scored eight goals in 42 Championship appearances last term, James has more than earned a transfer to pastures new.