Michael O'Neill's Stoke City are being linked with a potential move for Irish League youngster Trai Hume.
The Potters are one of several clubs monitoring the 18-year-old's progress in the Danske Bank Premiership.
Scottish Championship side Hearts are also believed to be interested.
Hume - who is currently on loan with Ballymena United from Premiership champions Linfield - has been played in a wing-back role this season.
The youngster has been earning rave reviews for his performances in the top flight, scoring one goal in 14 appearances for the Sky Blues.
Hume signed a one-year loan deal with Ballymena last September.
Soeaking at the time, United boss David Jeffrey said: "His attitude is exemplary and his ability actually leads people to still wonder where exactly is his best position, because he's equally adept in the centre at the back, on the right, in the middle of the park, but what we do know is that we've signed an excellent young footballer who is certainly not a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none.
"He joined us in training last night and it's clear to see the ability and class that he has.
"It's also lovely that we have a local lad, albeit on loan, out representing Ballymena United and his attitude in wanting to join his home town is absolutely first class."
