Birmingham City's stance on Leeds United transfer links revealed

Birmingham City have no intention of cashing in on rising star George Hall, BirminghamLive understands. The 17-year-old made his first team breakthrough last season and earned himself his first two Championship appearances.

Those came against QPR in early January – when he played well for 85 minutes as an attacking midfielder – and on the final day of the season in the defeat to Blackburn Rovers. He was also an unused substitute in four other league matches and played for the club’s Under 23s and U18s.

In November he was awarded his first professional contract, a deal which is designed to keep him at St Andrew’s until 2024. However, his growing reputation, enhanced by his call-ups to the England Under 18s squads, has not gone unnoticed by potential suitors. Leeds United are keen on the teenager, having stepped up their academy recruitment in recent years.

The Athletic claimed Leeds are ‘lining up deals’ for both Hall and West Ham’s Sonny Perkins – but Blues are not interested and intend to hand Hall further first team opportunities next season.

Hall, who will turn 18 next month, is regarded as one of the shining lights of the Wast Hills youth system and speaking last month head coach Lee Bowyer understood why his former club would be interested: “I'm not surprised if there are Premier League clubs looking at him, it would not surprise me," Bowyer said.

Newcastle and Brighton were also claimed to be keen but Blues are reluctant to see another of their brighter prospects move on. Amari Miller joined Leeds from Blues last summer and was a regular in their 23s’ Premier League 2 campaign and also featured in the Papa John's Trophy.