Reds chasing teenage star

[Maldini]

I didn't know he was on trial, sounds like we've a good chance of getting him

 

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liv...-name_page.html

--------------------------------------------

Dec 29 2006

 

By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

 

 

LIVERPOOL are in battle with Manchester United to sign Scottish wonderkid James McCarthy.

 

The 16-year-old Hamilton Academicals midfielder spent a week on trial at Melwood last week.

 

Manager Rafa Benitez was so impressed with the teenager, he is now keen to conclude a deal as quickly as possible, but he's also aware of interest from a host of other top clubs preparing to swoop when the transfer window opens.

 

Because of his age, interested clubs may have to only pay compensation of around £100,000.

 

If he joined, McCarthy would be one of the youngest ever recruits into the Reds' senior ranks.

 

 

Liverpool have already opened talks with the player's club, who agreed to the trial period, but most now act swiftly to make the move permanent.

 

Sir Alex Ferguson is also targeting the youngster, and some reports in Scotland claim United are favourites to complete the transfer.

 

However, it's understood the Scot would prefer a switch to Anfield.

 

McCarthy has quickly emerged as one of the hottest properties north of the border. He made his first team debut for Hamilton earlier this season aged just 15, and immediately attracted the attentions of Premiership clubs.

 

An attacking, creative midfielder, McCarthy has also been offered trials by some of La Liga's top teams.

 

Deportivo La Coruna invited him to Spain, and it's believed both Barcelona and Valencia are also monitoring his progress.

 

Benitez has made no secret of his desire to recruit more teenage talent in the months to come, having already packed Gary Ablett's reserve side with youngsters.

 

Argentinian left back Emiliana Insua officially joins the club on January 1, and it's hoped McCarthy will be next in the ranks.

 

Meanwhile, Craig Bellamy has been given the all-clear to feature in tomorrow's clash against Spurs at White Hart Lane. The Welshman suffered an eye injury late into the Reds' 1-0 defeat to Blackburn.

[Red2Core]

The lad would prefere a move to Liverpool......could be a boyhood red

[Bigal]

arent they all?

[AE]

The Scottish signing.

Rafa knows

 

Next season we WILL be champions again

 

[Guest PaulMcC]

I remember talk of him on TLW. You said he was meant to be brilliant for his age, Maldini.

[Maldini]

Read a bit about him, never seen him though, he made his debut in the first team at 15, he just declared for Ireland too so he must be a world-beater

[nvdm]

Please let this be true!

[aka Dus]

He's Irish... (at least that's what he's decided to be) so the search for the Scottish piece of the jigsaw continues.

[Maldini]

Ryan Flynn!!

[Hector McDougal]

I met Ryan Flynns Dad at the Chelsea home game last season. He's from Edinburgh. Always kept an eye out for him after that and was pleased to see him score in the youth cup final.

[Maldini]

He's a decent little player from what I've seen of him, works very hard and keeps it simple.

[CarraLegend]

http://iclanarkshire.icnetwork.co.uk/footb...-name_page.html

 

Reds eye James

 

EXCLUSIVE by Andy McGilvray

 

HAMILTON are believed to have knocked back a bumper offer from Liverpool for teenage midfielder James McCarthy.

 

The Advertiser understands that the Anfield club verbally offered a £160,000 signing fee, with add-ons that could add up to around £600,000.

 

But it?s believed that Accies turned down the lucrative offer for McCarthy (16), amid reports that the youngster wants to stay at New Douglas Park.

 

Hamilton Accies manager Billy Reid confirmed that the player ?did exceptionally well? in a trial at Liverpool, but said no formal offer has been made, and there are other interested clubs.

[jimmylibel]

http://iclanarkshire.icnetwork.co.uk/footb...-name_page.html

 

Reds eye James

 

EXCLUSIVE by Andy McGilvray

 

HAMILTON are believed to have knocked back a bumper offer from Liverpool for teenage midfielder James McCarthy.

 

The Advertiser understands that the Anfield club verbally offered a £160,000 signing fee, with add-ons that could add up to around £600,000.

 

But it?s believed that Accies turned down the lucrative offer for McCarthy (16), amid reports that the youngster wants to stay at New Douglas Park.

 

Hamilton Accies manager Billy Reid confirmed that the player ?did exceptionally well? in a trial at Liverpool, but said no formal offer has been made, and there are other interested clubs.

 

Interesting that bit, seems to be contrary to what Bascombe has written. Doubt he'd be going on trials if he wanted to stay though.

[Guest RedLegend]

Liverpool close in on 16-year-old star ? report

 

 

January 5, 2007

 

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on 16-year-old Hamilton Academical star Jamie McCarthy, who declared for the Republic of Ireland late last year.

 

McCarthy has already played ten league games for the Accies this season, his performances attracting the attention of a host of scouts from top-rank clubs.

 

Premiership leaders Manchester United and European champions Barcelona are rumoured to be keeping tabs on the Scottish-born youngster, but according to a report in Friday?s Irish Independent, Liverpool are at the front of the queue for his services.

 

The report reveals that McCarthy spent a fortnight at Liverpool?s Melwood base last month, and could finalise a £100,000 move to Anfield in the coming weeks.

[KD07]

Spot of inaccuracy in that report there.

Should've read "..dream move.."

[Guest Jodus]

It would appear that our offer of 160K was rejected...

[jimmylibel]

Piece in yesterday's People claiming he was set to reject us and the Mancs and sign for Reading.

[McBain]

It would appear that our offer of 160K was rejected...

 

Can we afford to go over that though?

 

If Parry bans all long distance phone calls then maybe we can do it

[Boca]

From Sky Sports

 

Hamilton boss Billy Reid admitted Liverpool had made a bid to sign the teenage star.

 

"From what I believe Liverpool have tabled an offer for Jamie," Reid told skysports.com.

 

"He went down there for a trial and played in a game for the reserves and he did exceedingly well.

 

"Jamie showed up well down there and they made an offer for him.

 

"However, nothing has been agreed and nothing is set in stone we will see what develops."

 

Liverpool could face a fight for McCarthy with Reading offering the youngster for a trial.

 

"There are quite a number of clubs interested in Jamie," added Reid.

 

"He is going down to Reading this week for a few days to take part in training and we will see how he goes down there."

 

Here

[chrisbonnie]

i read a piece in the echo last week with their chairman(accies) saying they rejected the offer from us as they thought a move to a lower tier team would help his progression better, the chairman said he didnt want the lad to get lost in a big bunch of players at Liverpool, so he rejected the bid on that reason ,weird really

 

i wonder how the lad himself feels

[Sion]

If we're willing to spend 150k on a 16 year old he must be good, and therefore the arguement of him getting lost is a poor one. If a player's good enough, he will break through. Maybe the chairman's a manc

Edited January 8, 2007 by Sion

[Maldini]

To be honest, I think the £150k is just a down-payment. We're supposed to have offered £100k for every ten first-team games he plays up to a total of £500k.

 

I think Hamilton are looking for a bigger initial payment.

[Guest Scot]

if they rejected a 'bumper' offer it may be time for a 'cool' sum. Failing that we should 'break the bank'.

[Sion]

Or just tap him up and get him when he can sign a pro deal

[Maldini]

He's going on trial with Reading this week. Apparently they've offered more up front but less overall.