Benitez will have to pay £4m for young Accy

Palermo have joined the race for Hamilton’s £4million rated 17-year-old midfielder James McCarthy as they look to snatch the impressive youngster from under Benitez’s nose.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini told the Daily Record: “We have been following James for some time, We know all about his capabilities as a player.”

“We have been told that his value has risen to around £4m, but we have made Hamilton an offer based on what we are prepared to pay.” he added.

Benitez tried to tempt the youngster to England last year and is likely to up his attempts sooner rather than later before his value climbs any higher.