Liverpool and Everton join Leeds in the race to sign highly rated Birmingham midfielder George Hall

Liverpool and Everton have joined the list of clubs monitoring developments with George Hall in Birmingham City’s midfield.

The 18-year-old missed Friday night’s 3-2 win over Reading with a calf strain but has been part of manager John Eustace’s first-team plans this season and has been tipped for a bright future.

Leeds United have long been following the England Under-19 international and tried to sign him last summer only to be put off by Birmingham’s rating.

Liverpool and Everton have joined the list of clubs patrolling Birmingham’s George Hall (left)

They are expected to renew their efforts to sign him next month but acknowledge the competition is increasing.

Liverpool have recruited some of the best youngsters in the country in recent seasons and are eyeing the future with an aging first-team midfield and question marks over the futures of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita.

Another former Birmingham youngster, Jude Bellingham, is her top summer target, but Hall is also on her radar as one to develop.

Everton are also looking for dynamic, athletic midfielders like Hall who have the skills to be part of their squad almost immediately. Frank Lampard has limited funds to work with this window unless he sells but the club continue to look to attract potential top talent.

Leeds tried to sign the 18-year-old in the summer but were put off by Birmingham’s price tag

Eustace is hoping Birmingham can keep Hall and see him return to action quickly once his calf strain has healed. “George is a fantastic young player who is a great player for us and for the team,” said Eustace.

“I think and we look forward to him coming back. He is a young top player. But all I want to do is continue to develop George in the right direction, which I think we’ve done so far.

Hall, who has started five of his 18 appearances this season, as well as fellow midfielders Jordan James (18) and Jobe Bellingham (17), the younger brother of England star Jude Bellingham, have all made an impression this term.

Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder Jude Bellingham is Liverpool’s top summer target

“For me, George Hall is one of the best young players in the league,” added Eustace. “He’s a very effective player whether he starts or we let him come off the bench.

“He just turned 18 – and he has the opportunity to present himself here. We don’t want George Hall going anywhere.

“Aside from the three or four we’re getting through – George Hall, Jordan James and Jobe Bellingham – it’s also about giving the likes of Josh Williams, Alfie Chang and Tate Campbell minutes at the right time.”