Liverpool and Tottenham are tracking Birmingham City forward Demarai Gray

Liverpool and Tottenham are reportedly monitoring the progress of Birmingham City teenager Demarai Gray, with a view to a move during the January transfer window.

According to the Daily Mail, the Premier League clubs have been impressed by the teenager's showing thus far in the Championship and are keen to sign him when the upcoming winter transfer window opens.

Gray announced himself to the football world by scoring a fine hat-trick against Reading last weekend and this has further attracted interested clubs. Apart from the two above mentioned clubs, Crystal Palace have also shown an interest in the youngster and reportedly had a £500,000 bid turned down by the Birmingham based side in the summer.

However, Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett has insisted that the club is under no financial pressure to sell to interested clubs, which he is sure will be plenty in the upcoming window. He has revealed that it will take a top offer to prise their star man from the club.

"He's as good as any young player I've seen at this age. At 18 years old, the ability to score a hat-trick at Championship level doesn't happen very often. He's an exciting player. He gets the fans off the edge of their seats," Rowett said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

"I'm realistic, I would expect some interest in January and I would expect that interest to be very strong from top clubs, because he is a top player."

"What he's shown is we shouldn't be looking to sell him for a low fee just to fit his ambitions. The club has a real potential star player on its hands."

But the manager believes that it is better for the player to remain with the club and continue his development as he is guaranteed first-team football rather than move to a big Premier League club to sit on the bench or play for the U21 sides.

"But also you have to look at that he's playing regular football in the Championship. Sometimes for a young player it's just as important to get 100 starts than go to a bigger club and sit on the bench or play in Under 21 squads," the St Andrews outfit's manager explained.

The 18-year-old forward currently has 18 months to go on his contract and is said to be in negotiations with the club over a new two-year contract.

"We obviously have to manage him, manage his expectations, manage what he does on the pitch because he's got a lot to learn still. I would expect if someone does want to buy him he's not going to come. There are not many young British players around who can go past people, are quick, and can score goals," Rowett concluded.