FC Barcelona and Deportivo La Coruña are monitoring the progress of Hamilton Academical youngster James McCarthy after Liverpool had an initial bid turned down for his services.
The 16-year-old midfielder has made a huge impression for the Accies in the first division since making his debut in January.
McCarthy has played 40 times for the first team before his next birthday on November 12 and his rise has attracted some of the biggest names in the game.
Last season he spent time training with Liverpool, Celtic and Reading after they asked to have a closer look at him, while he has also been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, Rangers, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Sunderland.
Now Barça and Depor are due to send scouts to Scotland to watch him in action, according to the Accies' club secretary Scott Struthers.
"Barcelona and Deportivo have both faxed us in the past to tell us they will be taking a look at the player and we've turned down one bid from Liverpool," he told the Daily Record.
"At most games we get around four scouts from various clubs but last week we had about 20. All the big names were represented.
"James is scheduled to make his 40th appearance for us against Dundee United at Tannadice in the CIS Cup this week and that tells its own story about the progress of a 16-year-old."
McCarthy was born in Glasgow to Scottish parents, but has chosen to play for the Republic of Ireland, who he has represented at Under-17 and Under.-19 levelsa already.
