Everton ahead of Liverpool in the queue to sign 16-year-old Scottish wonderkid

Everton are ‘at the head of the queue’ to sign Dundee United wonderkid Kerr Smith.

And Duncan Ferguson could play a key role as the Toffees look to prise the teenager to Goodison Park and beat bitter-rivals Liverpool to his signature.

Who is Kerr Smith?

Smith's been at Tannadice Park since the age of 10 and long been highly rated.

He's a versatile defender, capable of playing both centre-back and right-back roles.

Smith already spent time training with Everton, Manchester United and Aston Villa but opted to sign his first professional deal north of the border when he turned 16 in December 2020.

Despite his tender age, the youngster has already made 11 appearances for the Terrors.

This season, he's been handed six outings and helped Tam Courts' side earn a 1-1 draw with Celtic in September.

Smith’s also broke into the Scotland under-19s set-up.

Everton's interest

According to teamTALK, Smith has attracted a swathe of admirers in the Premier League.

Liverpool are said to have long been on Smith's trail but Everton have already held talks with the fledgling talent.

Blues assistant boss Ferguson, who is from Sterling, is claimed to be pivotal to tying up a deal given his contacts north of the border.

Smith is under contract at Dundee United until 2023 and it's reported he'd be loaned back to them if he signed for Rafa Benitez's side in January.

Another rising star to arrive?

Everton have taken the approach of signing exciting youngsters and honing them at Finch Farm.

In September, the Toffees swooped for Francis Okoronkwo, 16, from Sunderland for £1 million.

Everton also signed Jarrod Branthwaite in January 2020 when he was 17 after making a breakthrough at Carlisle.