Birmingham City are working hard to fend off interest from Manchester United and other Premier League clubs for one of their brightest prospects.
Manchester United’s academy is respected worldwide for producing some of the best players. The list of graduates includes players such as George Best, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham.
In recent years, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo came through the academy before playing a key role in United’s FA Cup triumph over City in 2023.
Moreover, United have invested a lot in youth players since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner. Chido Obi, Sekou Kone and Enzo Kana-Biyik all joined the youth ranks in the past two years.
United will continue searching for the best young players in the game, with scouts sent to watch teams throughout the UK.
Man Utd track Birmingham City starlet Alfie Smith
Championship outfit Birmingham City will be doing everything they can to fend off interest from United and other Premier League clubs when it comes to youth team goalkeeper Alfie Smith.
The 14-year-old became the second youngest goalkeeper ever to appear at Premier League U18 level last weekend when he featured in a 4-3 win at Fulham.
It is understood that Birmingham City, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, are working to convince Smith and his family that the best chance for his future career pathway remains at St. Andrew’s.
Despite Smith’s young age, he already stands at 6ft 1ins tall and is renowned for being good with both feet.
According to the Daily Mail, United are one of the Premier League clubs charting his progress. The others include Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City.
Smith appears to be the next youth prospect set to make a lot of money for Birmingham City, although they will be keen to keep hold of him and maximise profits in the coming years.
Only time will tell if Smith will agree new terms at Birmingham City or move to one of the big clubs in the top-flight.
Jude Bellingham snubbed Man Utd five years ago
Sir Alex Ferguson was seething with United’s failed attempts to sign Jude Bellingham in 2020.
The Real Madrid star was playing for Birmingham City during the time, making his senior debut aged 16 and 38 days. He went on to make 44 appearances for the club, which led to several top European clubs showing an interest in the midfielder’s signature.
Borussia Dortmund won the race to sign Bellingham and he would spend three years in Germany before signing for Real Madrid.
However, before his move to Dortmund, United worked hard to sign Bellingham.
Bellingham turned United down after he was given a tour of Carrington training ground, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ferguson present to greet his parents.
United’s former football director, John Murtough, didn’t give Ferguson enough time to talk with Bellingham.
Former United midfielder Bryan Robson was convinced a deal to sign Bellingham was done and dusted.
Bellingham is now renowned as one of the best players in world football.
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