The latest transfer news as a rumour surfaces involving Birmingham City, Ipswich Town and AFC Bournemouth.

Birmingham City are reportedly among a host of teams keeping close tabs on Stevenage hot prospect Ryan Doherty.

Blues spent big for a second successive summer in a bid to make it two promotions in a row, however some signings haven’t settled as hoped and Chris Davies’ side are currently struggling down in 15th. There have been purple patches, including two consecutive 4-0 victories at the start of November, but inconsistency has been rife.

It was hoped Birmingham would be in the play-off positions come the halfway point in the campaign but the deficit, as it stands, is seven points. With so many teams in the mix, it could be tricky to achieve the target of a top-six finish without delving into the transfer market this winter.

Birmingham and Ipswich ‘racing’ to sign League One talent

That’s exactly what Birmingham may end up doing, though perhaps not only to sign players for the here and now. Football Insider reports one eye is on the future as Birmingham are said to be ‘racing’ several clubs to acquire the services of breakthrough Stevenage star Doherty.

It’s claimed Blues have already registered their interest in signing the 17-year-old, along with Championship rivals Ipswich Town. There’s competition from the division above, too, as Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth are said to be in the mix to sign the youngster.

Doherty, who only turned 17 in August, has enjoyed his senior breakthrough this campaign, making three appearances in League One so far. The teenager was still in the Stevenage under-18 squad as recently as February, before he received a call-up to the under-21 setup six months later. Since then, Doherty has broken into the first team.

How would Ryan Doherty fit in at Birmingham?

If Blues were to see off the competition and sign Doherty, the Englishman would likely head straight into the youth setup, as opposed to the senior team. Another option, if he were to join as soon as January, could be to loan Doherty back to League One for the rest of the season, perhaps to Stevenage for familiarity’s sake.

Doherty, a midfielder who can play as a playmaker or more of a defensive type, has racked up 11 first-team appearances for Stevenage in total. Of those, five have been in the EFL Trophy, the competition Blues came close to winning last season when they were beaten by Peterborough United in the final at Wembley Stadium. The three others have come in the Carabao Cup.

With Chris Davies’ future uncertain amid Blues’ poor form, the head coach may not necessarily be there to see Doherty move into first-team contention at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park. That is, of course, if Doherty makes the move at all. Birmingham World will keep a close eye on how this rumour develops - or doesn’t - in the next few weeks and months.

In other Birmingham City news, Blues are reportedly eyeing an in-demand Championship head coach as a potential replacement for Davies in case he’s relieved of his duties.