Scouts from super clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona are said to have visited St Andrew’s in recent weeks.

When arguably the two most powerful clubs in world football are sniffing around one of your players, you know that: A, you have a real gem on your hands; and B: you are resigned to losing said gem.

Birmingham City have endured something of a mixed bag this season; from a 3-0 defeat to Hull in December, to embarking on an 11-game unbeaten run which has provided Pep Clotet's side with an outsider's chance of making the playoffs.

But on the whole there has been little to get excited about on the blue side of Birmingham - except for potentially unearthing the most talented youngster to have ever played in the Championship.

Sixteen-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham emerged onto the scene at the start of the season, breaking Trevor Francis' record as the club's youngest player, having lit up the Blues under-16 team, scoring a host of goals including a scorcher from distance against Manchester United which is said to have sparked interest from the Red Devils.

Four goals in 30 appearances in England’s second tier, including netting a winner on his home debut start against Stoke in August, has a number of Premier League sides on red alert, including Jurgen Klopp's runaway leaders Liverpool.

As impressive as his goalscoring rate is for a 16-year-old, it’s Bellingham’s all-round game which has really captured the imagination; his raw pace, strength and dazzling skill too much even for experienced defenders, such as Brentford's promotion chasing Christian Norgaard.

Regardless of their talent, many teenagers crumble under the pressure of senior football, but Bellingham’s ability to retain possession and composure on the ball has been a breath of fresh air, and his Young Player of the Month award in November is surely only the first of many honours. Which club will be fortunate enough to have the opportunity to harness the wonderkid's undeniable talent is in Bellingham’s hands.

Bellingham, who is said to be earning £145 a week at present, doesn’t celebrate his 17th birthday until June this year; by then he will have a decision to make - which top European club tickles his fancy the most?

Of course, to lose a player of Bellingham’s immense talent would be a bitter pill for Birmingham to swallow, but it’s certainly not all bad news: the Blues are set to make a healthy profit on the teenager, upwards of £30m, a budget which will help Clotet rebuild his squad.

Manchester United were said to have had a mega offer rejected in January, and Chelsea are also reportedly set to test Birmingham’s resolve in the coming months.

Bellingham shouldn’t be interested in which club will offer him the most money, but rather which club will manage his development best. Birmingham, to their credit, have been careful in this regard.

It is important he has the opportunity to fulfil his talent; too many kids have been mistreated by football's mega rich and Bellingham deserves better.

Those who know him best say he has a grounded personality, a young man who simply wants to play football.

“We are aware of interest in him," said his manager Clotet.  "From the beginning he has been watched since he was 13 or 14.

"For the Middlesbrough game half of Europe was here. He is used to it and I am used to it."

He is currently at an important crossroads in his career and he would be best considering his options carefully and thoroughly before deciding which path to take.