Crystal Palace are enduring with their interest in Northern Irish young gun Matthew Shevlin.

Reports suggest the Eagles are continuing to pursue the 16-year-old striker who has already trained with the Premier League club this season.

Palace have reopened talks with Ballymena United after the NIFL Premiership side turned down an initial approach from the South Londoners.

Alan Pardew is a big admirer of Shevlin and is eager to win the race to his services with the likes of Celtic, Rangers, Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town also interested.

Shevlin, who made his first-team debut in November last year, has scored two goals for Ballymena so far this campaign.