Coventry, who dumped Man Utd out in the last round, host West Ham tonight in the Carling Cup. Click here for the latest betting!

Barcelona are the latest club to express an interest in Hamilton’s promising youngster James McCarthy.

The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Scotland and has attracted the attention of a number of clubs across Europe.

McCarthy trained at Liverpool, Reading and Celtcic last season as they wanted to have a look at the teenager close up.

Liverpool lodged a bid which was turned down by Hamilton, and Barcelona and Deportivo La Coruna have confirmed that they will be monitoring the player.

Hamilton secretary Scott Struthers told the Daily Record: “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.

“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.”

Coventry, who dumped Man Utd out in the last round, host West Ham tonight in the Carling Cup. Click here for the latest betting!