This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Birmingham City have had a mixed start to the season with Pep Clotet's side down in 14th place in the Championship, on a run of three straight defeats, ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough tonight.

With Clotet looking to get his side back on track, he has no been helped in his task following the news that German giants Bayern Munich are eyeing a move for Blues teen starlet Jude Bellingham, as reported by The Sun.

Liverpool are also reportedly keen on a move for the emerging 16-year-old talent, who has already scored two goals for the Blues this season.

So would a transfer to the Bundesliga and Bayern Munich be a good next step for Bellingham?

We discuss........

Toby Wilding

"This could be a really good move for him.

"For starters, it would give him the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, allowing him to develop his individual game and experience competing for silverware from early on in his career.

"It is also worth noting that Bellingham could still get opportunities at first-team level, with Jadon Sancho's transfer to Borussia Dortmund in particular an example of the success that young English players can enjoy when they make the move to one of Germany's big clubs.

"One big question over this however, will be whether Bellingham wants to make the move to another country so early in his career, and indeed his life, meaning that there will be plenty for the 16-year-old to think about should this rumoured interest materialise."

Dean Cooke

"It's far too early for him, and who knows what might happen next if he were to go there. I think it's important that they can get Bellingham to continue playing and improving as he develops as a player.

"At such a young age it's vital that if he is to take a next step, he has to take into account all the considerations and thoroughly research the side he might go to and their record when it comes to youth.

"I wouldn't worry about the speculation too much, I know a move to Bayern would be very hard to say no to. However, it's currently far too soon and he needs to get his head down this season and focus on what he can do in a Birmingham shirt."

Jacob Potter

"This wouldn’t be a smart move by the Birmingham youngster.

"At the age he’s at, he needs to be playing regular football, and he certainly wouldn’t be able to do that with Bayern Munich anytime soon.

"Bellingham has really impressed me so far this season, and I’m not surprised that he’s catching the eye of some of the best teams across Europe.

"But he’s a raw talent that needs to be guided in the right direction, as a wrong move could have an impact on his development in senior football.

"He should keep his head down, for the time being, and not rush into an immediate decision on his future when he’s doing so well in his breakthrough season with Birmingham."