Wolves and Wigan tussle over McCarthy

Republic of Ireland and Hamilton youngster James McCarthy could be set for a move to Wolves after both clubs agreed a fee

Republic of Ireland and Hamilton youngster James McCarthy could be set for a move to Wolves after both clubs agreed a fee. Accies have confirmed they have accepted an offer for the highly-rated teenager from the newly-promoted Barclays Premier League side.

Wigan Athletic also claim to have agreed a fee for the under-21 international and, like Wolves, expect to hold talks with the player.

The 18-year-old has been the source of constant speculation about his future, having been linked with Celtic, Burnley and Portsmouth.

But he could be set to join Brian Easton in England’s top-flight next term after his former Accies team-mate sealed a move to Burnley.

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If he joins Wolves, he wll link up with Ireland senior internationals Andy Keogh, Kevin Foley and Kevin Doyle, who recently sealed a €6million switch from Reading.

According to reports, Wolves had an initial offer for McCarthy rejected earlier this week, before coming back with an improved bid of more than €2.3million.

Asked if it would be a blow to lose McCarthy, Hamilton boss Billy Reid said: “I think that’s an understatement.

“To lose James would be a blow, the same as it was a blow to lose Brian.

“But it’s not at that stage yet. That’s really all I can say at the moment.”

Hull, meanwhile, have withdrawn their interest in Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy after talks over personal terms broke down.

The Tigers agreed an initial fee of €1.75million with the Wearsiders for the player earlier this week and were due to meet the 26-year-old today.

The news is a further blow to the club after also failing in their attempts to sign Fraizer Campbell, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Michael Owen this summer.