By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

21st Aug, 2023 | 3:29pm

Sources: Birmingham City and Reading race to sign Bournemouth star Kilkenny

Birmingham and Reading are plotting moves for Bournemouth midfielder Gavin Kilkenny, sources have told Football Insider.

Championship side Birmingham and League One outfit Reading are both looking to strengthen their midfield options.

They have registered their interest in signing Kilkenny before the window shuts.

The 23-year-old, who had spells on loan at Stoke and Charlton last season, has been on the bench for Bournemouth’s opening two Premier League games against West Ham and Liverpool having impressed in pre-season for the Cherries.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international made just four appearances during his loan stint at Stoke – which was cut short in the January window.

However, the midfielder featured just as sparingly in his temporary spell with League One Charlton – playing just eight times.

Kilkenny made 14 appearances for Bournemouth in the 2021-22 campaign but was deemed surplus to requirements following their promotion to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old, who can play in defensive midfield as well as in a more attacking berth, is out of contract at the Vitality Stadium in June 2025.

Bournemouth have finally moved to replace Jefferson Lerma in midfield following his free transfer exit earlier this summer.

The Cherries have wrapped up the arrival of United States captain Tyler Adams after he impressed for relegated Leeds last term.

Birmingham, who play in the Championship, have picked up seven points from their first three games of the new season

Meanwhile, Reading are in League One following relegation last term and have notched five points from four games.

In other news, West Ham submit formal Dominic Solanke bid