Everton are understood to be close to a deal to sign teenage forward Kai Hutchison from Dundee United
Everton training ground Finch Farm. Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Everton training ground Finch Farm. Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
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Everton appear to be close to a deal for Scotland youth international Kai Hutchison.
The 16-year-old is reported to have turned down a professional contract with Dundee United and told the club he wants to move on.
Everton are understood to be in talks with the Scottish Premiership side as they seek to replicate an academy recruitment drive that has seen the club sign upcoming talent from across the UK across recent seasons.
United have previously turned down six-figure bids from Wolves and Norwich City for Hutchison but the Blues now look set to win the battle for the striker, according to the ECHO’s sister paper the Daily Record.
Hutchison moved to Tannadice two years ago after spending much of his early days in football at Banks O Dee Albion.
He has one goal in five appearances for Scotland Under-15s and represented the Dundee United’s B side twice this season. He has also trained with the first team and travelled with the senior squad to a game against Hibs.
Hutchison would be the latest starlet snapped up by Everton to bolster the ranks of the academy.
The Blues signed striker Ceiran Loney from Partick Thistle two seasons ago, the same summer forward Braiden Graham arrived from Northern Irish side Linfield.
Last summer the club continued that approach with moves for highly-rated youngsters including defenders John Dodds from Hearts and Reuben Gokah from Charlton Athletic.
Hutchison would be expected to sign a scholarship should he join Everton before moving onto a first professional contract at 17.