Norwich City and Rangers in three-horse race for Birmingham City starlet

Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Rangers are reportedly among a host of clubs keeping tabs on Birmingham City winger Zaid Betteka.

The 18-year-old made his senior Blues debut last month as he came off the bench during the 2-1 victory over Lincoln City in the FA Cup third round. Betteka, who has Algerian and Somalian heritage, was 17 at the time and he’s yet to put pen to paper on a professional contract.

Capable of playing on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder, Betteka has gradually been progressing up Blues’ youth ranks. He’s currently with the under-21 squad and his FA Cup cameo was his first proper venture into senior football.

Football Insider reports Betteka is of interest to Palace, Norwich and Rangers with all three clubs keen to sign him if he doesn’t sign a Blues deal soon. Birmingham are said to hold Betteka in high regard but risk losing his services if they don’t offer suitable terms in the not-too-distant future.

Palace, in the Premier League, are on paper the most enticing destination for Betteka but Championship side Norwich and Scottish Premiership giants Rangers aren’t exactly bad alternatives. Of course, Blues will be hoping Betteka prefers the prospect of staying in Birmingham but more first-team opportunities may have to be promised first.

Competition is fierce at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, especially in the attacking midfield positions. You know it’s tough to get in the team when the likes of Alfie May - last season’s League One Golden Boot winner - and Lyndon Dykes - a full Scotland international are often benched.

Those two are more out-and-out strikers but they’ve been utilised in the number 10 role to ensure the minutes go around. It’s even tougher for someone like Betteka - not even properly integrated into the first-team setup yet - to make his mark. Either a loan away or a permanent venture elsewhere could make sense in the summer.