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.