Birmingham City in pole position to seal permanent deal for Liverpool's Lewis Koumas | OneFootball

Lewis Koumas has become the subject of intense transfer speculation ahead of the 1 September deadline

Birmingham City are currently leading the race to sign Lewis Koumas from Liverpool this summer.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Blues are facing a battle with fellow newly-promoted side Wrexham in the race to win the youngster’s signature.

Koumas has earned a reputation as a promising up and coming talent, having come through the Reds’ academy system.

The 19-year-old spent last season out on loan with Stoke City, where he impressed with three goals and two assists from 43 appearances in the Championship.

Birmingham lead Wrexham in Lewis Koumas race

There are a number of clubs chasing the signature of Koumas on loan this summer, including the likes of Sheffield United, Norwich City, Preston North End and Hull City.

But it’s believed that Birmingham are currently leading the way, with the Midlands outfit looking to build a team capable of fighting for promotion this year.

Wrexham are also near the front of the queue for the teenager, with both clubs making a lot of moves already this summer.

Birmingham and Wrexham are also reportedly keen on completing a permanent move for Koumas, which could cost upwards of £10 million.

It’s understood that the sale of Bobby Clark to RB Salzburg, which was worth £10 million, is seen as a benchmark for the 19-year-old, should he leave permanently.

It is expected that a departure will come to fruition before the 1 September transfer deadline, but it remains to be seen whether an agreement of this size can be reached with Liverpool.

Koumas did not feature as part of Arne Slot’s plans during pre-season, and he had no involvement for Liverpool’s opening day league victory over Bournemouth last Friday.

The youngster signed a new long-term contract with the Premier League side last summer following his move to Stoke, giving the Reds a lot of leverage in any negotiations over a permanent deal.

Birmingham and Wrexham would be buying potential with Koumas

Koumas is not yet the finished product, but he is still only 19 and could yet develop into quite the talent.

A deal worth over £10 million would be quite expensive for Birmingham and Wrexham, especially given what they’ve already spent this summer.

A loan deal might be the better option for the time being, even if it comes with an option or obligation to buy clause for next year.

Koumas performed well for Stoke last season, but it remains to be seen whether he can make the jump in performance required to justify spending eight-figures to sign him permanently.