Foxes keeping tabs on Boyce

Leicester are thought to be keeping watch over 18-year-old Cliftonville striker Liam Boyce.

Manager Nigel Pearson has sent reserve team coach Gerry Taggart to watch the youngster on numerous occassions, with City’s interest being confirmed by Cliftonville manager Eddie Patterson.

Patterson told the Leicester Mercury: ‘We’re aware that Leicester are interested and Gerry Taggart has watched a number of our games.

‘Other clubs have watched him but nobody has been in touch.’

Swansea are also reportedly keeping tabs on the teenage striker, but as of this moment it appears as though Leicester are in the driving seat for the Northern Irishman.

Boyce is currently only a part-time player with Cliftonville, but Patterson believes a step-up is exactly what is needed for the youngster to progress.

‘Liam will be a star. He has great vision, pace, skill and a scoring touch. Signing him would not be a gamble for any club.

‘With full-time training he would get physically stronger and, although he is technically very good already, that would improve very quickly as well.’