McCarthy linked to Palermo

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND youth international James McCarthy has been linked with a sensational move from Hamilton Academical to Italian Serie A side Palermo in a €5 million transfer deal.

The 17-year-old Glasgow-born midfielder qualifies for Ireland because of a Donegal grandfather — all very much shades of former Irish star Ray Houghton.

Despite denials from his club of an official approach, Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini has told Italian media a deal is in place for the player whom their scouts have been watching.

“We have been following James for some time and we know all about his capabilities, said Zamparini.

“We have been told his valuation has risen to $5 million, but we have made an offer on what we are prepared to pay. Now we are waiting to see what happens in the next few weeks.”

After their promotion to Scotland’s top flight from the First Division last season, Accies boss Billy Reid would love if McCarthy remained on board — but the talented youngster’s departure now seems inevitable even though he is on a two-year contract.

Reid said: “None of this surprises me as I have been saying since James was 15 how special he is. The other thing is that he has been outstanding for the Republic at Under 17 and Under 19 level and word of his displays has obviously made its way around Europe.”

AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Celtic, Liverpool, Chelsea and Reading have all been linked in the past with the player.