Sky Sports understands Premier League champions Manchester City are leading the chase for talented teenager Foday Nabay.
The Sierra Leone-born youngster, who turns 14 next month, is now de-registered as a Birmingham City player.
However, the Championship club would be entitled to training compensation for helping nurture his fledgling career.
Nabay is one of the brightest talents in England with Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all reported to be interested in securing his signature.
City are now believed to be in pole position to sign him, with a possible decision on his future expected within two days.
Nabay has already attracted media attention having been remarkably called up by England Under-16s last summer.