Everton have emerged as one of a number of Premier League and Championship sides keen on Motherwell prospect James Scott, according to TEAMtalk.
The 19-year-old centre-forward only burst onto the scene in April 2018 when he made his senior debut against Ross County (TransferMarkt), and has been a key figure for the Steelmen’s efforts this Scottish Premiership term – starting four of the five available fixtures.
Scott is a young striker that is capable of playing on the wing, and has been making a name for himself at his boyhood side in the past year having been handed his debut by Steve Robinson.
The Steelmen boss only turned to the Glasgow-born prospect on occasion last term – making one league outing for more than 22 minutes – but has placed his faith in the Motherwell product heavily this season, as the Fir Park natives sit third in the Premiership table.
Scott, a Scotland U21 international, is yet to convert a successful strike in the league, but has three goals in the current Scottish Cup campaign after firing a brace at home to Greenock Morton and again finding the back of the net against Annan Athletic in the Group Stage.
His emerging potential north of the border is said to have attracted the interest of Everton, who have sent scouts to monitor his performances in recent weeks, where staff of AFC Bournemouth, Southampton, Sheffield United, Bristol City, Barnsley and Sunderland have also visited.
Motherwell’s position to a potential transfer is not noted, but the Scottish outfit have Scott tied down to a long-term deal with his contract not expiring until the summer of 2022.
Everton considering a move for one-time youth international Scott is a promising sign of the Goodison Park natives still placing a great emphasis on developing emerging talents, having spent heavily in the transfer market in recent years.
According to figures collected by TransferMarkt, the Blues have recorded net loses in each of the last five seasons, for an aggregate figure of £225.3million – more than all bar three of the current 20 Premier League sides.
The most recent window also saw Everton part ways with potential future stars as Ademola Lookman was allowed to join RB Leipzig on a permanent deal for £22.5m (BBC) and Bassala Sambou left at the end of his contract to join Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard.
There has also been a decline in youth talents emerging in the first-team, with Beni Baningime the last to earn a Premier League bow from the academy, despite his debut coming in October 2017.
Everton fans, are you concerned at the lack of emerging talents from the academy in the first-team? Let us know in the comments below…
