20-year-old midfielder James McCarthy made his competitive debut as an Ireland international this past weekend, but even larger moves appear to be on the horizon for the Glasgow-born Wigan star.
McCarthy, who has impressed at the DW since his 2009 move from Scotland, has apparently been on Chelsea's radar for some time, with the Blues expected to be willing to spend £7 million for him, according to the People.
Interest from Anfield, however, is reportedly strong enough that Liverpool would be willing to trump that offer come summer.
McCarthy, in fact, was a Liverpool target when he was just 16. Under Rafa Benitez, he played in a training game at Liverpool headquarters, but he opted not to move to Anfield so that he could continue to play first-team football.
Given his Glasgow heritage and roots in the North West after a couple of seasons in Wigan, it is speculated that McCarthy would prefer a move to Liverpool over a move to London.
Chelsea reportedly failed in a bid for McCarthy in January. He cost just £1.2 million when purchased by Wigan in 2009.
