Blues Move for Harriers Youngster

....confirmed that midfielder Luke Maxwell has signed for Sky Bet Championship side Birmingham City.

The 18-year-old has penned a three-and-a-half-year contract at St Andrew’s, but returns immediately to Aggborough on loan until the end of the season as part of the deal.

Maxwell came through the youth system at Aggborough and, as an academy graduate, made a first-team debut in December 2014.

He quickly established himself in the side with a string of energetic displays and, in little over a year, has now already made thirty-two appearances in league and cup for the club.

His efforts have attracted the attentions of clubs from the Premier League and Football League, with the Blues able to secure his signature.

Chief Executive Colin Gordon confirmed that Harriers will receive an initial fee of £75,000 for the midfielder – adding that the club will receive the amount in staged payments.

He explained: “Luke has earned a lot of admirers and I know this is a move he’s delighted to be making – Birmingham have been a pleasure to deal with and they know they are getting a player who has the potential to really succeed in the game.

“We’ve stressed that, as a club, our future has to be creating and producing our own talent and giving them a platform to succeed. But as we’ve proved with this deal, we aren’t just concerned with cutting our losses and making a quick sale.

“The transfer benefits the club financially, but it was crucial for us that we were able to keep Luke with us until the end of the season. He’s a big part of our squad and will play a large role in our battle between now and the end of the campaign.”

Gordon then quipped: “Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Luke on his signing with Birmingham City … and look forward to seeing him in training with the rest of the lads on Thursday!”