Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Crystal Palace eye young Bristol midfield talent

Several big clubs in the EFL are taking a close look at local Bristol attacking midfield talent Owen Humphries.

Humphries recently moved from Mangotsfield United to Larkhall Athletic in the Southern League First Division, based near Bath, but is hoping to sign a professional deal with one of the clubs chasing his signature in the near future.

Growing up in Pucklechurch, the 19-year-old Bristolian has also spent time sharpening up his game with head of football and former Leeds United manager Dave Hockaday at SGS College Filton.

Humphries is expected to be the next youth prospect from the area to net a professional deal in the EFL, after former Bristol Inner City Football Academy defender Miguel Freckleton joined up with Sheffield United U23s just before Christmas.

Humphries recently spent time on trial at Sheffield Wednesday and played in their U23s 2-0 loss to Peterborough United U23s.

And before that he was on trial with Birmingham City, playing for the Blues’ U23s against Stoke City u23s with several onlookers impressed as Humphries scored the only goal and created several chances in a 1-1 draw.

The Midlands side are believed to be pushing to complete a deal as Humphries weighs up his options, with interest from other teams too, including Blackburn Rovers and Premier League Crystal Palace.

Humphries is rated by several top local coaches as having all the attributes to make it in the English second tier if not higher.

“I am convinced that this boy will play at a high level,” said one scout at the recent Premier League 2 game between Birmingham and Stoke of Humphries, if the player continues to work hard at his game.

The youngster has been described as playing in a similar way to Italian midfielder Marco Verratti and his stats for the season read as:

• 19 games (including five friendlies, for both Mangotsfield and Larkhall)
• 16 starts
• 7 goals
• 9 assists

He played for Bristol Inner City Football Academy from U13s to U16s and is yet another young prospect to have worked with top local Bristol coach Patrick Williams and his group.

Neither Bristol City or Bristol Rovers have shown any interest in the player to date, but despite Humphries being linked to both as he has grown up playing around the West Country, he still hopes to net a deal at a top club in the near future.