According to the Belfast Telegraph, Everton is up against competition from Chelsea, Brighton, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Sheffield United in the race to recruit 15-year-old Glentoran forward George Feeney.
The newspaper shared via its website on 11 September that, having made his senior debut last week, where he impressed fans with a lively substitute appearance, there is plenty of top-level interest in the signature of Feeney who they describe as a “sensation”.
Feeney, the son of former Leeds United and Cardiff City player Warren Feeney, is aiming to be the fourth generation of his family to represent Northern Ireland at international level.
An exciting prospect
The level of interest in signing Feeney is a testament to his quality at just 15 years of age. The report claims Premier League sides have been impressed by his eye for goal and all-action style, as well as having the potential to develop into a top player.
He has revealed already that he is open to a move to England, having claimed the academy training at Glentoran is preparing him for “a move across the water” and, after making his senior debut already, that move does not seem too far away.
There are not many stats to look at given the level of his experience so far, but with Premier League scouts clearly impressed by what they have seen, it could be some coup by Everton if they are able to beat the other interested parties to his signature.
One of the clubs interested in Feeney is Crystal Palace, which has had some success in the past with bringing in players from the Northern Irish Football League. For example, youngster Kofi Balmer made an impression at the academy level and eventually earned a loan move to League Two with Port Vale, where his appearances have so far been limited by injury.
