Everton are poised to complete the signing of Wigan Athletic starlet James Carragher - son of Liverpool legend Jamie.
Carragher Jr has followed in his dad's footsteps since embarking on a career in the game, and was on the books at Anfield until he was let go at under-14 level. He was soon picked up by Wigan, where he has risen through the ranks, and currently plays at under-18 level.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, it seems. Wigan's website describes him as a 'central defender who shows great leadership skills, is highly competitive and is strong in one-vs-ones', which could easily be an assessment of his dad in his pulp.
The 18-year-old is rated highly at the Latics but is only signed to a scholarship deal, which means he could leave for free at the end of the season. The Telegraph say that Everton have been keeping a close eye on him, and are set to offer him a deal that would take him back to Merseyside to play with their under-23 side in Premier League 2.
It's not a done deal yet - The Times say that the Carragher camp are awaiting a second offer after the Toffees' first proposal was rejected - but Everton are expected to make a renewed push to bring him in.
Everton will be due to pay a small compensation fee to Wigan to complete the deal, but the good working relationship between the clubs means things should tick along smoothly. The Toffees have sent a number of players out on loan there in recent seasons; Antonee Robinson even made the switch permanently before he landed back in the Premier League with Fulham.
While Jamie Carragher is a legend at Liverpool, he was actually a boyhood Everton fan before he signed on at Anfield aged 10 - not that he would admit as much nowadays.We're likely to hear more about that one as and when the time comes for Carragher Snr to analyse Carragher Jr live on Monday Night Football.
"Just stop it...theeeere."
Source : 90min