FC Barcelona and Deportivo La Coruña are monitoring the
progress of Hamilton Academical youngster James McCarthy after
Liverpool had an initial bid turned down for his
services.
The 16-year-old midfielder has made a huge impression for the
Accies in the first division since making his debut in
January.
McCarthy has played 40 times for the first team before his next
birthday on November 12 and his rise has attracted some of the
biggest names in the game.
Last season he spent time training with Liverpool, Celtic and
Reading after they asked to have a closer look at him, while he has
also been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, Rangers, Aston
Villa, Newcastle United and Sunderland.
Now Barça and Depor are due to send scouts to Scotland to watch him
in action, according to the Accies' club secretary Scott
Struthers.
"Barcelona and Deportivo have both faxed us in the past to tell us
they will be taking a look at the player and we've turned down one
bid from Liverpool," he told the Daily Record.
"At most games we get around four scouts from various clubs but
last week we had about 20. All the big names were
represented.
"James is scheduled to make his 40th appearance for us against
Dundee United at Tannadice in the CIS Cup this week and that tells
its own story about the progress of a 16-year-old."
McCarthy was born in Glasgow to Scottish parents, but has chosen to
play for the Republic of Ireland, who he has represented at
Under-17 and Under.-19 levelsa already.
