Alfie Smith: Yet another Birmingham wonderkid on United’s radar | OneFootball

Manchester United are on the hunt for Birmingham City’s newest academy prodigy after missing out on two stars earlier.

It is well-known that the Red Devils had come mighty close to signing Jude Bellingham from the Championship side, even bringing him to Carrington to meet Sir Alex Ferguson, Bryan Robson and Eric Cantona to try and seal the deal.

The Englishman opted to sign for Borussia Dortmund instead, as he felt the Bundesliga side offered him the best shot at making an impact for the senior side.

That proved to be the right decision, with the England international currently starring for Real Madrid, while being a guaranteed starter for the Three Lions.

United chasing another Birmingham wonderkid

His brother, Jobe, was also on United’s radar, but despite their best attempts, he decided to follow in his brother’s footsteps and ended up joining Dortmund again.

Now, as per The Daily Mail, the 20-time English league champions have their eyes on goalkeeping prodigy Alfie Smith.

Despite being only 14, he has already made his U18 debut for the club, becoming “the second youngest keeper ever to appear at Premier League Under-18 level last weekend when he kept goal for Birmingham in a 4-3 win at Fulham.”

He became Birmingham’s youngest U18 debutant, and is described as being great with both feet while also being a great shot-stopper.

And having all the traits of a modern keeper means interest in his services is at an all-time high, with United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all charting his progress.

The Tom Brady-owned club are desperate not to lose him so soon, and are trying to convince him to stay at St Andrews for the best chance at breaking through early to the senior team.

“Birmingham City are trying to tie down England goalkeeper prospect Alfie Smith ahead of increasing competition from Premier League clubs.

United eyeing Alfie Smith

“Smith became the second youngest keeper ever to appear at Premier League Under-18 level last weekend when he kept goal for Birmingham – aged just 14 – in a 4-3 win at Fulham.

“The Championship club, co-owned by former NFL star Tom Brady, are working to convince the highly-rated teenager and his family that the best chance for his future career pathway remains at St Andrew’s.

“His rise through the ranks is catching the eye of top-level clubs though with Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all charting his progress. That is no surprise considering the strides he has been making in recent months.”

Youth recruitment under INEOS has been top-notch and it is no surprise to see United in the race for yet another wonderkid.

And given the goalkeeping conundrum at Old Trafford, a move for Alfie Smith would be shrewd move indeed.

Feature image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images

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