Exclusive: Birmingham City and Ipswich Town in race to sign Doherty

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(Credit: StevenageFC on YouTube, Imago) Mon 29 December 2025 14:56, UK Birmingham City and Ipswich Town are racing to sign Stevenage teen sensation Ryan Doherty, sources have told Football Insider.The midfielder has already made 11 first-team appearances for Stevenage and made his first League One start in this month’s clash against Cardiff City.Championship duo Birmingham and Ipswich have registered their interest in Doherty in the days leading up to the January transfer window.The 17-year-old’s potential has placed a number of clubs higher up the football pyramid on alert, with multiple sides now keeping close tabs on his displays.Doherty signed his first professional contract with Stevenage in August after entering the second year of his two-year scholarship deal at the League One club.Credit: ImagoBirmingham and Ipswich race to sign Ryan DohertyDoherty has recently established himself as a regular in the Stevenage first-team under Alex Revell, having impressed the boss during their pre-season preparations.In what is proving to be a breakout year for him, the midfielder has featured three teams in League One and once in the Carabao Cup against Charlton. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES He has also featured heavily in a rotated EFL Trophy side, playing a key role in wins against AFC Wimbledon, Bromley, and Crystal Palace‘s Under-21s.Scouts from Birmingham and Ipswich, among other Championship suitors, are now keeping tabs on his performances with a view to a future move.While he will be regarded as one for the future at both clubs, Doherty could be tempted to be part of their ambitious plans going forward.Birmingham City manager update emergesWhile the club are making plans to strengthen both immediately and for the future in the mid-season transfer window, speculation surrounding the manager is rife.Chris Davies is under pressure at St Andrew’s as the Blues sit 15th in the Championship table despite harbouring early ambitions of a top-six finish.As a result, Football Insider revealed on 27 December that Birmingham are eyeing Michael Carrick among a number of targets to replace Davies.Credit: Getty ImagesFootball Insider previously revealed that Birmingham are planning to replace Davies and have drawn up a list of potential replacements for the boss.Carrick, 44, is of interest following his dismissal from his role at Middlesbrough in June, as Birmingham begin exploring the market for potential alternatives.For more Birmingham City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.