£1.5m defender on Everton radar deemed ‘one of the best I’ve ever worked with’ by coach

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A player linked with Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton, along with several other Premier League clubs, has been described by his club’s head of academy as “one of the best I’ve ever worked with” (Daily Record).

Jamie Hamilton, an 18-year-old defender who coincidentally plays for Hamilton Academical, was linked with the Toffees earlier this year, according to TEAMtalk.

The report claimed that Everton’s scouts sent back glowing reports about the teenager, and although no move was made in January, there could well be interest in the summer.

Likewise, Premier League quartet Wolves, Aston Villa, Burnley and Brighton, plus Championship promotion hopefuls Fulham, are all said to have thrown their name in the hat.

Hamilton began the season poorly, being sent off just 20 minutes into his first appearance of 2019-20, but has bounced back in style to become one of the club’s most sought-after players.

Crystal Palace duo James McArthur and James McCarthy both rose through the ranks at Accies before establishing themselves south of the border and there is a growing belief that Hamilton can follow in their footsteps.

“I’ve worked with Jamie since he was 13 and I would certainly put him in the same bracket as James McCarthy and James McArthur. He definitely has that X-factor,” academy chief George Cairns told the Daily Record.

“Nothing fazes him, nothing makes him nervous, and he has the biggest amount of bouncebackability I’ve ever known. His willpower is amazing. He is one of the best I’ve ever worked with.”

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Hamilton sounds like a great prospect and that there are so many Premier League sides linked with him shows how much potential he has, not to mention 14 senior appearances, including in the Scottish Premiership, despite having just turned 18.

It’s unlikely that Hamilton would be thrown in at the deep end at Everton, a more likely outcome being that of continuing to learn the ropes at Under-23 level and perhaps a loan stint or two before being given first-team opportunities.

Nonetheless, at £1.5million, as reported by the Daily Mail, it’s hardly breaking the bank for a player who has such potential.