Birmingham and Portsmouth are battling for Ivory Coast prospect Gnagbo Dogba.

The Sunday Mercury says Dogba, who only turned 17 earlier this month, impressed Harry Redknapp enough to be offered a contract after a seven-week trial at Fratton Park.

But, although talks with Pompey are ongoing, the 10-times-capped Ivory Coast under-17 international has now taken up the offer to train with Birmingham.

And Blues are in a strong position to hijack the deal because Dogba shares the same representatives as their Argentinian favourite Mauro Zarate.

Dogba, who played 20 games for Africa Sport National as they won last year's Ivory Coast Premier League, is believed to be available on a free transfer after leaving the club to try his luck in Europe.