English Premier League clubs Sunderland and Aston Villa re reportedly showing interest in Greenock Morton youngster Declan McDaid.

The 15-year old linked up with Morton in July last year but has come along in leaps and bounds and has attracted attention from Glasgow giants Celtic as well as the two English outfits.

It is believed that the Hoops have already enquired about McDaid but Morton turned down an offer although he is expected to return to Glasgow for trials with the famous club after an initial four-week stint there earlier in the current season.

Morton's youth director John Laird told the Herald Scotland insisted that McDaid and his family were keen for him to finish his studies first before deciding on their next move.

"If Celtic want someone like Declan, they want them to leave their homes and stay in digs and go to school in Glasgow," said Laird. "It's a massive step for young boys and we've sat down with his family and they want him to get his standard grades out of the way and take it from there.

"Celtic mentioned to me £25,000-£35,000 but that was a verbal offer. I know they've bought a boy from Airdrie [Tony Watt] and paid £90,000 and we were saying Declan is a much better prospect and is four years younger. He's an exceptional talent and scouts have come to have a look at him, so his name is getting about now."