Wayne Veysey

Thu 20 February 2025 13:14, UK

Brentford had a £5million bid rejected by Birmingham City for Romelle Donovan before he completed a January loan move, sources have told Football Insider.

Donovan switched to Brentford for the second half of this season, joining up with the Premier League side’s ‘B’ team.

It is believed the 18-year-old is making impressive progress with the Bees and could be in the reckoning for a first-team promotion before the season ends.

Birmingham saw the loan move as an opportunity to place Donovan in the shop window and believe they could receive offers well in excess of £5million for him this summer.

Birmingham eye big fee for Donovan after Brentford loan

He spent the first part of this season on loan with Burton Albion in League One and racked up nine appearances and one goal before returning to the Blues in December.

The attacking midfielder made 10 appearances across all competitions for Birmingham in the 2023-24 campaign as they were relegated to League One.

Donovan, who is under contract at St Andrew’s until June 2026, has scored two goals in his first two games for Brentford’s academy side.

He is an England Under-19 international having previously played for the Three Lions’ Under-18 side.

Birmingham face battle to keep winger sensation

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 11 February Crystal Palace, Rangers and Norwich City are among a host of clubs tracking Birmingham winger sensation Zaid Betteka.

The 18-year-old is yet to put pen to paper on a professional deal with the Blues, alerting interested clubs – including Scottish Premiership giants Rangers – to his potential availability.

He made his first-team debut in the FA Cup third-round win over Lincoln City last month.

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