Source: Daily_Mail
Celtic fail in £500k swoop for Hamilton's James McCarthy as chase hots up
Celtic had a £500,000 approach for James McCarthy kicked out by Hamilton last night as the bidding war for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year intensified.
A faxed offer from Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell was immediately rejected by Accies chairman Ronnie MacDonald, after a similar approach from Portsmouth was given short shrift last week.
Sportsmail understands there have now been five written offers for McCarthy, with certain English Championship clubs also verbally signalling a willingness to pay in excess of £1million for the 18-year-old midfielder.
At least three clubs south of the border are also believed to havesought a first-option on the Republic of Ireland Under-21international.
Celtic's opening bid falls well short of Accies' seven-figurevaluation, but a protracted tug-of-war could now be in the offing afterMcCarthy's agent, Willie McKay, claimed his client was only interestedin moving to the SPL champions. MacDonald, however, is determined notto be swayed.
