A string of English Premier League clubs are on the trail of Ayr United's schoolboy keeper Ollie Ecrepont.
The teen, who turns 16 next month, has already spent a week at the training base of high flying Brentford.
And the Bees are at the front of the queue to land the hot prospect, should he decide his future lies away from Somerset Park, with United set to cash in on his huge promise if he makes the switch.
The Ayrshire Post understands that Ayr are in line for a six figure development fee owing to FIFA’s cross border matrix should Ecrepont join an EPL club.
Thomas Frank's Londoners have been alerted to the Scotland youth international’s growing reputation and have made their interest known.
The youngster's rapid progress has seen him become part of the Ayr first team setup, having been regularly involved in training since the age of 14.
And United goalie coach, Dave Timmins, reckons Ayr could have a once in a generation star on their hands.
Timmins, who has worked with the likes of international stoppers Joe Hart, Wayne Hennessy and Dean Henderson in a storied coaching career, told the Post: "Ollie is right up there in terms of lads I've worked with.
"He's as good as Joe was at the same age and I'd stand in front of anyone from Man United to Man City and tell them that.
"He has an attention to detail that sets him apart and all the first team players here respect him - which is a huge sign of his talent.
"If he stayed here, and we all hope he does, I can see him being first team goalie at Ayr by the age of 18 or 19.
"That's how good he potentially is and he's a really exciting prospect to work with.
"Talents like his don't come along often but he still has loads of development to go, so we have to manage that.
"Both Charlie (Albinson) and Aidan (McAdams) love him and have been brilliant in working with him since day one.
"All the players are the same, you can tell they think the world of him."
Ecrepont, the younger brother of Ayr teammate, Finn, is the latest talent from the production line of United's Academy.
He will be eligible for a move south this summer, with Ayr also in talks over a potential deal at Somerset.
Youth chief, Davie White, said: "We knew Ollie was a bit special from the moment we signed him at the age of nine.
"He's got better with every year and his consistency in both training and games is outstanding.
"The main thing for Ollie is having a pathway to first team football - whether that is with a Brentford or with us.
"He should absolutely back himself to go to that level because he is good enough.
"For us at the Academy it is a pat on the back that we are consistent in doing what we do.
"For our coaches like big Stuart Galloway who has worked with Ollie since the day he came in, it's great to see the progress he's making.
"We are here to provide a pathway to young players - we've had Ollie in with the first team since the age of 14 and he's never looked out of place.
"That more than anything says it all about the chance he has in the game."
United managing director, Graeme Mathie, added: "Ollie has been down to Brentford for a brilliant experience and we will see what comes from that.
"Yet again it proves the progress being made by our Academy, who have seen two players in Ollie and Jamie Hislop represent Scotland this year.
"We would absolutely love to keep Ollie on our books and give him the pathway to our first team and those conversations are happening with him and his family.
"But the interest in him reinforces the excellent work being done within our club and is another massive pat on the back to Davie White and his team."
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