League Two side Carlisle United have confirmed they've received a bid for Leeds United target Liam McCarron, but that they're also talking to a Premier League club about a potential move.

Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting Marcelo Bielsa's side were looking to purchase the 18-year-old, but that doesn't look as straightforward as it first seemed.

Carlisle's director of football David Holdsworth has suggested there had also been 'conversations' with a Premier League side about the youngster.

“We have had bids from a Championship club and had conversations with a Premier League club regarding Liam. That is ongoing.” he told the News and Star.

McCarron only signed professional terms with the Cumbrians in September and although he wasn't a first team regular, he impressed enough to have a host of scouts flocking to Brunton Park.

Holdsworth recognises the need for lower division sides such as Carlisle to improve their finances by cultivating, and ultimately selling, exciting young talent.

“When I came to the club, having spoken to the board and sponsors about what we were trying to build, I said we must recognise our youth department is key to having legs for the club and bringing through young players.

“Liam is someone I recognised we had to make sure we had under contract."

The reason for the deal was as much to ensure the Cumbrians got the reward they feel is justified for their efforts in bringing McCarron to senior football.

“When we gave him a three-year contract, it was based on the ambition of making sure this club was looked after in terms of compensation, if a big club recognised what the potential of the boy could be.

“If a club does come through the door now, they’ve got to pay the amount we feel in terms of compensation and for the potential [he has] going forward, whether that’s Premier League, Championship and beyond."

The Verdict

David Holdsworth is quite right; Carlisle do need to protect their interests when it comes to young players.

I do think there is a certain sense around the bigger clubs now, especially those with significant means, that they have to be responsible to those clubs at the other end of the spectrum.

As for this move, McCarron would surely end up in the Leeds Under 23 squad and there are fewer places better to be for a young player in the Championship.

It would be interesting to know which Premier League side are in for him. If it's a serial hoarder of players, such as Chelsea, then McCarron would be far better heading to Elland Road and being given a real chance of progression.