Blues are firming up their interest in Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas.
They have the 19-year-old in their sights for a loan move and although nothing has yet been finalised, there’s an increasing likelihood a deal can be struck.
There is competition for the Wales international, who is also being eyed by Wrexham whilst Sheffield United have a long-standing interest.
Koumas can play off either flank and his attacking versatility appeals to Blues, who are known to be keen to bolster in this area before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Blues could also be plotting another raid on Rennes for defender Mikayil Faye.
The Senegal international, 21, can play at left-back or centre-half. He moved to France from Barcelona a year ago but only managed seven league starts last season.
Blues bought striker Kyogo Furuhashi from Rennes this summer and previously sold midfielder Jordan James to the Ligue 1 side. They have good links with the club and their squad is well known to them.
Of more immediate focus, though, is the potential Koumas deal which, it is believed, is not with a view to a permanent transfer as it is currently being negotiated.
Koumas scored on his Liverpool debut in the FA Cup win over Southampton in February last year, which remains his only competitive senior appearance for them. He was also the bench for their League Cup final win over Chelsea in 2023/24.
However, opportunities now appear limited as he was sparingly involved in pre-season preparations.
Last season Koumas was loaned to Stoke City, where he made 49 appearances and scored six times, as well as adding five assists, in a struggling Championship side.
The son of former West Bromwich Albion playmaker Jason Koumas – whom Trevor Francis tried to buy for Blues – he has been capped six times by his country.
Koumas, who moved to Liverpool’s Academy aged 11 from Tranmere Rovers (where his father ended his career), also played as a central striker for a spell in the Reds youth sides.
Norwich City and Hull City are also being credited with an interest in the teen.
