A Birmingham City academy graduate is attracting interest from the Premier League and beyond

League One title hopefuls Birmingham City are understood to have turned down an offer in the region of £5m from Brentford for youngster Romelle Donovan in the recent January window before eventually allowing the attacking midfielder to join the Premier League side on loan.

The 18-year-old, who moved to West London on a deal until the end of the season, has been making waves in Brentford’s B team and according to Football Insider is on the verge of being fast-tracked into the first team for a Premier League match before the end of the season.

Brentford’s club Twitter page posted a video of the exciting youngster cutting inside from the right hand side and curling in a low driven shot into the bottom corner. Making it two goals in two appearances for the development side. The post attracted great excitement from several Bees fans, with one user posting: “Get him in the first team immediately, he’s absolute class.” While another added: “Get Romelle in the first team.”

Birmingham fans have high hopes for the youngster, who made seven appearances in the Championship last term, but what does the future hold for Donovan and is he likely to be a part of Chris Davis plans next term?

Who is Romelle Donovan?

Romelle Donovan is an 18-year-old Blues academy graduate that currently represents the England national team at Under-19 level. He signed his first professional contract with Birmingham in November 2023 and agreed a two and half year deal at he times which runs until 2026.

Donovan said at the time: "I have been working for this for my whole life. It is a good opportunity for me to play at this club. I am just overwhelmed with how I have achieved it so early, it is, obviously, a good feeling.”

When Wayne Rooney took over as manager in mid-October 2023, he immediately promoted Donovan into the first team and also handed him his professional debut in a 2-0 defeat to Hull City. In total, he played 10 times in his first season - including seven times in the Championship.

Donovan spent time on loan at Burton Albion earlier this season but after making just six appearances was quickly recalled to the first team squad.

What next for Romelle Donovan?

Football Insider understands that while Romelle Donavan is not currently a part of Chris Davies’ plans they turned down an offer of £5m for the youngster as they felt that he could be worth more money later down the line. The outlet understands that the Blues see the loan move for Donovan as the perfect opportunity for him to put himself in the shop window for other clubs so that they can earn over £5m for his services.

After completing the loan move, Donovan said: “I’ve been at Birmingham since a very young age - it’s been a massive part of my career and they have made me who I am today. Making my debut at 16 was a surreal moment and I was over the moon that it happened.

“Playing for my country for the first time was another incredibly proud moment for me: putting the England shirt on with all your family there is always a great feeling. It’s been a mad rush, but I’m just pleased to be here. Obviously we are playing in a cup together and rooming with each other, so I think that’s the best way to break the ice and be intertwined with the group.”

Elsewhere, Birmingham World understands that Zaid Betteka is the subject of rampant interest from Crystal Palace, Rangers and Norwich City.