Football FanCast's EFL insider reckons that Tim Akinola could have an impact in the Championship should Birmingham look to sign him this window.

The 20-year-old is currently part of Arsenal's U23s having joined 12 months ago following his release from fellow second-tier side Huddersfield.

But Akinola didn't make a single first-team during his spell in south Yorkshire, although he had still clearly done enough to attract the attention of the north London giants.

And whilst the defensive midfielder hasn't yet featured for Mikel Arteta's senior side, he's already made himself a regular at U23 level, with the EFL Trophy giving him valuable experience and his first taste of men's football last season.

Akinola played in all four of the Gunners' games in the competition, coming up against high-quality League One sides in Ipswich and Gillingham.

With that in mind, the EFL insider believes that the next step for him is to get out on loan and play regularly at first-team level, suggesting St Andrew's as a potential temporary home.

He exclusively told FFC:

"Tim Akinola of Arsenal U23s, he will look to get game time this season and he could make a major impact at St Andrew's.

"He's good on and off the ball."