Skysports.com understands that Celtic, Liverpool and Reading
have all lodged bids for Hamilton Academical starlet James
McCarthy.
The trio of top flight clubs are amongst a host of teams trying to
prise the youngster away from the Scottish First Division side
before the transfer window closes on 31st January.
McCarthy made his first team debut for the club aged just 15 and
became their youngest ever scorer at 16 earlier this season.
With Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur
and Manchester United all keeping tabs on his development, Accies
boss Billy Reid has provided a little insight into the current
state of affairs.
"We've had three or four bids for him, but we're not in any rush
for James to leave the club," Reid told skysports.com
exclusively.
"But if James says that he wants to leave and it's the right deal
for him and us we are not going to stand in his way."
While the Hamilton board continues to consider the offers, Chelsea
have sent chief scout Frank Arnesen up to New Douglas Park to watch
The Accies take on Partick Thistle on Saturday.
McCarthy is sure to be the centre of attention, but Reid has given
a glimpse into the mindset of the youngster who he predicts will be
a big star.
"His attitude is great, he's not fazed by it at all; he's not in a
hurry. He enjoys himself at Hamilton Accies and I can honestly say
that he's not starstruck," Reid added.
The clock is ticking down on the January transfer window though,
and Reid admits to being uncertain as to a realistic timeframe for
a deal to go through.
"It could be the next week or it could be the summer," Reid
concluded.