EXCLUSIVE: Everton leading the chase to sign Scottish starlet

Everton are understood to be leading the chase for Hamilton Academical’s starlet Jamie Hamilton, we can reveal.

The 17-year-old defender has emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in Scottish football, and he is already playing regular first-team football.

Now Everton’s scouts have sent back glowing reports on the teenager, and Hamilton are bracing themselves for bids.

But the Toffees are not the only English side sweet on the player as Wolves, Aston Villa, Burnley, Brighton and Fulham are all keen on landing.

Meanwhile, Everton will begin talks with forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin over a new contract following links to Manchester United.

However, suggestions that a new deal for the 22-year-old, who has scored three goals in Carlo Ancelotti’s first two games, is imminent are premature at this stage, according to Sky Sports.

Everton want to reward the player, who is halfway through a five-year deal he signed in May 2017, with a new long-term contract and talks are expected to begin in the new year.

Reports overnight suggested the Sheffield United academy graduate had emerged as a transfer target for United in January, with the Red Devils said to be ready to offer £50million for the player.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains interested in bringing in a new central attacker in the New Year after United missed out to Borussia Dortmund in their bid to sign Norwegian frontman Erling Haaland. Read more…