HAMILTON Accies manager Billy Reid last night confirmed Burnley are on the trail of midfielder James McCarthy as Owen Coyle seeks to sign another young SPL talent for his English Premier League newcomers.
Reid revealed that Coyle has made an approach for McCarthy, hot on the heels of landing Scotland striker Steven Fletcher from Hibs in a club record deal that could rise to £3.6m. Reports suggest Burnley tabled a bid in the region of £750,000 for the
highly-rated 18-year-old but the offer was rebuffed as it does not meet Accies' valuation.
Portsmouth and Celtic have both had previous bids turned down for McCarthy – who is contracted at New Douglas Park until 2011 – as Hamilton hold out for a higher fee for the sought-after Republic of Ireland Under-21 international.
But Reid knows he faces a massive fight to keep the teenager, the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year last season, as Coyle ponders an increased bid. The former St Johnstone manager, who is also keen on Hearts winger Andrew Driver, is a huge admirer of McCarthy and is in the middle of a signing spree after landing Fletcher, David Edgar and Tyrone Mears for the new campaign.
Reid said: "I don't deny Burnley have made enquiries about James, but it's not right for us at the minute. We know how important an asset he is to us.
"There has always been interest in James, it's the nature of the game, and we keep him informed at all times.
"But I expect to see him at the start of pre-season training next week."
