Huddersfield Town are hot on the trail of Carlisle United youngster Kyle Dempsey.
That’s the word coming out of Cumbria, where the teenage midfielder has emerged as a real talent.
Barnsley were leading the race for the 19-year-old, but sources suggest a move to Oakwell has stalled.
Now Town, keen to bolster their midfield options after Conor Coady’s £2m sale to Wolves, are tipped to sign Dempsey for an initial £300,000.
The player has been training with Carlisle, but hasn’t figured in either of their friendlies to date, at Blyth Spartans and Workington.
Extra: Kyle Dempsey - just what sort of a player is he? Find out more here
Dempsey, from Maryport on the North-West coast, has already made 51 appearances and scored 11 goals for the Brunton Park side.
News and Star reporter Jon Colman rates Dempsey highly.
“He’s one of the most determined young footballers you could wish to find,” said Colman.
“Dempsey has a rugby league background and is as physically robust as that would suggest.
“He is confident in his game and his career and would not be shy about the prospect of proving himself against higher-league opponents.
“He is an attack-minded midfielder who can also play up front, takes a decent corner and isn’t afraid to shoot, but will also do all the graft needed and more for the team.”
Extra: Kyle Dempsey's career and the summer hunt for his signature
He made his debut in the 3-0 home League I win over MK Dons in January 2014, and played four times that campaign.
His goal came in last season’s 2-1 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win at Accrington Stanley.
He bagged a double in the follow-up 4-4 home League II draw with AFC Wimbledon.
Carlisle manager Keith Curle has revealed there is a buy-out clause in Dempsey’s contract, which runs until 2016.
Curle has converted him from a wideman to a central midfielder.
