PORTSMOUTH last night opened the end-of-season bidding war for Hamilton wonderkid James McCarthy when they had a �500,000 offer booted into touch. (Daily Record)The Premiership outfit made their move after sending a delegation to watch Scotland's Young Player of the Year score twice in the 2-1 win over Kilmarnock at the weekend.

PORTSMOUTH last night opened the end-of-season bidding war for Hamilton wonderkid James McCarthy when they had a �500,000 offer booted into touch. (Daily Record)

The Premiership outfit made their move after sending a delegation to watch Scotland's Young Player of the Year score twice in the 2-1 win over Kilmarnock at the weekend.

Fratton Park boss Paul Hart is now considering weighing in with an improved offer but knows he will need to smash the �1million barrier to have any chance of getting talks off the ground.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell is also monitoring the 18-year-old's situation and has asked McCarthy's agent, Willie McKay, to be kept informed all developments.

Hamilton chairman Ronnie McDonald said: “Portsmouth have made a written, formal offer for James but we have rejected it out of hand as it does not come close to our valuation of the player.

“James has two years left on his contract and has repeatedly said he is happy here. He and the rest of our talented young players know we will not stand in their way when an offer comes in that right for them and for the club.

“There have been a lot of verbal inquiries and offers for James but Portsmouth is the first written offer.”