English eyes smiling on Irish teen

Liverpool have joined Everton and Swansea in the race to sign striker Rory Donnelly from Northern Ireland club Cliftonville.

Donnelly, 19, attracted the attention of English top-flight scouts after scoring 17 goals in the Irish Premier League last season.

The teenager’s representative was already scheduled to hold talks with Everton and Swansea, but now Cliftonville chairman Gerard Lawlor said Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has contacted him to register his interest.

“It’s not every day you get Kenny Dalglish ringing you and asking how the Reds got on at the weekend,” Lawlor told the Belfast Telegraph.

“He made it clear that Liverpool want to sign him and that they would be back in touch.”

Liverpool will have to act quick if they are to sign the forward, as Cliftonville released a statement on Sunday saying they want the youngster’s future to be resolved before the new year.

“Cliftonville this week announced the acceptance of a transfer offer from Swansea City FC for striker Rory Donnelly,” the club said.

“The club are also aware of interest in the player from a number of other sources and has responded to a series of tentative enquiries in recent weeks.”

“We are, however, keen to bring the issue to a conclusion as soon as possible.”