Everton are monitoring the situation with League of Ireland Premier Division defender Pierce Sweeney.

The highly-rated 18-year-old was impressive in his first season of top flight Irish football after his move to Bray Wanderers from Belvedere, making 12 Premier Division appearances.

Scouts from several English clubs have watched him in action, Everton and Reading are reportedly leading the chase to sign the defender, says the Liverpool Echo.