Championship duo Birmingham City and Wrexham are preparing for a transfer tug-of-war over Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The 19-year-old forward is attracting widespread interest after impressing during a loan spell at Stoke City last season.
Sheffield United have been long-term admirers, while Norwich City, Preston North End, and Hull City are also monitoring developments.
However, Birmingham, part-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, and Wrexham, backed by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are understood to be leading the chase.
Both clubs are prepared to offer a permanent deal for Koumas, who announced himself with a goal on his senior Liverpool debut in the FA Cup win over Southampton in February 2024.
Koumas, who was named on the bench for Liverpool’s League Cup final triumph over Chelsea last season, has already made 50 senior appearances and earned six full Wales caps.
Liverpool rate his progress highly, regarding him as more advanced in his development than Bobby Clark, who left Anfield for RB Salzburg in a £10million move last summer.
Despite his promise, Koumas’ first-team opportunities have been restricted, particularly with 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha breaking through in recent months.
During pre-season, Koumas was limited to a second-half appearance against Preston and a cameo versus Athletic Bilbao.
The forward is now expected to depart before the transfer deadline.
He was absent from Liverpool’s under-21 squad in their Premier League 2 defeat to Leicester City on Monday, alongside James McConnell and Kaide Gordon, both of whom are also close to loan exits.
McConnell prefers a Championship move, with West Bromwich Albion and Ipswich Town interested, although Austrian Champions League outfit Sturm Graz are currently leading the race.
Gordon, meanwhile, has attracted attention from Swansea City and Derby County, the latter being the club Liverpool signed him from in 2021.
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