According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur have offered a verbal 18-month contract to Birmingham City 'rising star' Rico Browne - but London rivals West Ham are allegedly in pole position to seal his signing. 

Browne's future with the Championship club, despite showing plenty of promise bursting through the academy ranks, is currently in 'major doubt' as Birmingham look to overhaul their youngsters according to this report.

Tottenham offered contract for Browne

Fellow promising up-and-comer Calum Scanlon joined Liverpool from Birmingham in January for around £500,000 - with Browne looking likely to head out the exit door alongside him.

He was on trial at Tottenham, a spell which ended last month, and after impressing in a match against Arsenal, he was offered a verbal 18-month contract with the Lilywhites.

However, they apparently have yet to offer a more formal, written proposal - which has opened the door for London rivals West Ham to make a move and take him on another trial across the capital.

As a result, West Ham are in pole position to sign the promising 17-year-old defender - with Tottenham in danger of missing out.

Transfer Tavern take

Browne is apparently nearing the conclusion of his two-year scholarship with Birmingham, and as they ponder overhauling their academy set up, he could be set to leave as per this report.

Tottenham did make an offer to take him to Hotspur Way, but it looks like West Ham are now favourites given the club's lack of follow up action - will Daniel Levy and co live to regret their dithering?

In other news: Alasdair Gold lifted the lid on this promising youngster, find out more here.