HILL CLIMBING TO TOP FLIGHT

BY NEIL GOULDING FLEETWOOD defender James Hill is destined for the very top.

A string of Premier League clubs have been scouting him, with Burnley and

Southampton understood to have had bids rejected for the player before the last transfer window shut, as well as Rangers having had a bid turned down.

Scouts from Everton, Manchester United and Liverpool have all watched Hill in action this season, with the highly rated 19-year-old centreback having made his debut for England Under-20s earlier in a 6-1 demolition of Romania at St George’s Park.

“We know he’s destined for the very top,” stressed the club’s chairman Andy Pilley.

“He’s playing regularly in the first team and we believe this helps to get his dream move.

“We’re at a stage now where we’re literally having to decline scouting requests because we’ve virtually got the entire Premier League coming along to watch him.

“There were two Premier League clubs who made bids for James and there was also a bid from the Scottish

Premier League.

“I wouldn’t like to say who the clubs were, but unfortunately the bids weren’t of sufficient numbers. It might be that he goes in January, but he’s going to go at the end of the season unless he signs a new contract.”

After being released by Bolton and Blackpool, Hill (above) has blossomed at Fleetwood having developed at their academy.

“It was only just 12 months ago there was talk of him going on loan to the non-League,” added Pilley.

“But he’s made enormous progress and it’s clear that he has become an automatic choice in the starting XI.

“What represents success for Fleetwood Town is to wish our players well and to watch them on Match of the Day in the Premier League.”