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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is keen on cementing a deal for Republic of Ireland teenage star Jamie McCarthy sooner rather than later.

Sixteen-year-old McCarthy turned down a move to Anfield in the summer in order to spent one more season with Scottish First Division side Hamilton Academical.

McCarthy had trials at Liverpool last season and the Mirror says Reds boss Rafa Benitez is now ready to follow up with a firm bid for the 16 year-old.

But according to a report in Monday’s Daily Mirror, Benitez is anxious to complete a move for the Accies ace, who scored the opening goal as his side defeated Kilmarnock last week en route to the last eight of the CIS Insurance Cup.

McCarthy was also the subject of attention from Chelsea, Reading, Celtic and Rangers earlier this year but Liverpool look favourites to land his signature, probably at the end of the season.

Liverpool are also believed to be keeping tabs on Charlton Athletic midfielder Joshua Wright.

Wright is currently on loan at League Two outfit Barnet, where he has made 5 appearance this season.

Liverpool scouts have spotted the youngster in action and have sent glowing reports to boss Rafa Benitez who could add the youngster to his growing number of prospects at Anfield.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is reportedly to be on pole position to sign Burnley youngster John Cofie.

The Merseyside club appear to have stolen a march on their Premiership rivals Manchester United and Chelsea by finding out that Cofie's family are all mad Liverpool fans.

A deal taking Cofie to one of the three clubs for a fee in the region of £1 million is likely to be tied up in January.

And finally,Liverpool have entered the race to sign £10 million rated French star Samir Nasri.

20 year old Marseille midfielder Nasri was voted as the player of the year in France last season and has been hailed as 'the new Zidane'.

According to reports over the weekend Liverpool are set to make a £10 million move for Nasri in January but could face stiff competition for his signature from Premiership rivals Arsenal.

In Liverpool's favour is their strong relationship with Marseille having sold them Djibril Cisse at a bargain price in the summer however Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has a £70 million transfer kitty to play with due to the club's recent financial success.

Editor's Note

Rafa Benitez, it seems, is having his scouts on overtime to scour the land for the 'wonderkids'. Liverpool has been under a lot of criticism for their policy of signing up young talents from abroad mainly South American and Spain. Perhaps by signing the British trio would take away some heat.

Nonetheless, Liverpool have been pursuing Jamie McCarthy more than a season back only for him to decide against leaving his homeland just yet. McCarthy, being Irish, has been described by many as a future heir to the legendary Roy Keane.

His tigerish displays at such a tender age have also drawn comparison with a younger Steven Gerrard. But again, he is not yet the 'finished article' and still has a long way to go.

The other two Brits, Joshua Wright, an England U-17, and John Cofie have recently gone into the radar of the big clubs as well.

Last but not least, the battle for Samir Nasri to be continued from last season as well. Already a French International at a young age. His skills and talents has been liken to that of Zinedine Zidane. But Liverpool fans might be apprehensive on the French as they haven't had much success at Anfield. Bruno Cheyrou (also once touted as 'the new Zidane'), Djibril Cisse, Sinama Pongolle and Anthony Le-tallec had all failed to light up at Anfield.

Regardless of Liverpool's good rapport with Marseille, I reckon that Arsenal would have the upperhand for Nasri with Arsene Wenger's impeccable success with young frenchmen.

Ultimately, with so many talented youngsters making their way to Anfield, only time will tell if any will make it into the big time.