Everton are maintaining interest in Sheffield Wednesday striker George Hirst.

The Blues' chief under-23s scout Jamie Hoyland has confirmed that the Championship club rejected an offer for the teenager in January.

Speaking to Sheffield Live TV, Hoyland said: “We were interested in him earlier on this season, I'll admit it, we put a little bid in to Sheffield Wednesday (in January) but (they said) no way.

"Unfortunately for George, Wednesday have signed more and more centre forwards so it might be best to go and get some league football and develop in professional football, in the mens game.

“He's done fantastic for England any time I've seen him.

“Forty goals, it doesn't matter what you're doing, you're scoring 40 goals, so now you've left that behind you, your youth football, go and prosper now and show people what you can do in the real game."