Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Barnsley and Sunderland are all providing EFL interest in 19-year-old Hamilton Academical defender Jamie Hamilton, as per a report from TEAMtalk. 

The report goes on to state that Celtic, Hibernian and Aberdeen are providing competition from his homeland, whilst Liverpool, Brighton, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Newcastle United and Burnley are also in pursuit. 

TEAMtalk outline that Liverpool possess the strongest interest in the teenage defender, with the club considering Hamilton as an option should Nat Phillips depart.

Hamilton has been a regular for the team operating in Scotland's second-tier, appearing 16 times in the Scottish Championship, chipping in with two goals.

The young defender, who primarily plays at centre-back, has also been tasked with operating as a full-back and a central midfielder this season.

The verdict  

It is always difficult for EFL clubs to win a race for exciting prospects when Premier League giants like Liverpool are in the running, however, should Phillips stay at Anfield, then they might weaken their interest. 

Given the sheer number of teams in pursuit, Hamilton appears to be a really exciting prospect who is excelling in the senior set up in Scotland's second-tier. 

He is gaining invaluable experience with the Scottish outfit this season, which would make him a player who would be pushing for a start should a move to the EFL be sanctioned this month.

The report states that Hamilton would immediately link up with Liverpool's U23s should they win the race, so if it is first-team football opportunities he is after, then a move to the EFL would be the safest bet.