Liverpool's interest in Hamilton Academicals youngster Jamie McCarthy has been confirmed by their boss Billy Reid. Sixteen-year-old McCarthy, an attacking midfielder, has just been named in the Irish under-17 squad. His club manager Reid said: "Liverpool have made an offer for Jamie but he's not refused or accepted as yet."
Reid revealed Liverpool's undisclosed offer came as McCarthy was at Reading for a trial: "He's at Reading for the next couple of days and I'm on my way there now. Reading are a well-run team as are Liverpool, but there's so much interest in him now and we're not in a hurry to sell. He will take it as it comes and make the right decision for himself."
McCarthy was born in Scotland but chose to play for the Republic of Ireland. He's in the squad and in line to make his debut when the Under-17s play Italy in Dublin later this month. His qualification to play for Ireland comes through his late grandfather.
He scored his first senior goal for Hamilton at the weekend against Livingston in the Scottish Cup.
He's already been given the opportunity to train with the Reds first team squad. It is believed that Hamilton's asking price is around £275,000.