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Wigan set to secure Under-21 Irish star McCarthy

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 20 Jul 2009

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Highly-rated Ireland Under-21 international midfielder James McCarthy snubbed newly-promoted English Premier League side Wolves on Monday when he agreed terms for a 1.2million pounds move to rivals Wigan Athletic.

The 18-year-old Scotland-born player – whose fee could rise to 3million pounds dependent on appearances – is the second major loss to Scottish Premier League side Hamilton Academicals after Scottish Under-21 international Brian Easton moved to Premier League newboys Burnley last week.

“James is a superb prospect and I know Roberto Martinez and Wigan will look after him,” Hamilton chairman Ronnie MacDonald told BBC Scotland.

Wigan expect the deal concluded for the Ireland Under-21 international within 24 hours.

Tottenham Hotspur made a late expression of interest, while Celtic manager Tony Mowbray admitted that his club were being priced out of the race after they and Burnley had bids rejected earlier this summer.

And it appears to have been the promise of involvement in the first-team squad that tipped the balance in favour of Wigan.

McCarthy, who rejected a transfer to Liverpool in 2007 and was also linked with Chelsea, received no such guarantees from Premier League rivals Spurs or Wolves.

McCarthy will be Wigan’s fourth signing of the close season after they secured the services of Honduras midfielder Hendry Thomas and midfielder Jordi Gomez, as well as Jason Scotland from Swansea, who signed for 2million pounds and rejoins his old boss Martinez.

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