McGrath at centre of transfer speculation

A number of clubs have expressed an interest in signing Jamie McGrath as speculation increases about where he will be playing during the coming season.

The St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin has revealed that the club have received "serious" bids for the young Athboy man who made a huge impression with St Mirren last season.

In his first full season with the Paisley-based outfit McGrath ended up as the club's 'Player of the Year', scoring 17 goals from his midfield position and putting in a series of impressive displays.

"We had a bid a couple of weeks ago and we're very transparent with Jamie and his representatives," said Goodwin.

"We've only had two or three concrete bids on the table, but at the same time the club have been brave and thrown those out. They don't meet our valuation."

It is understood that a number of clubs in both Scotland and England have registered their interest in the former St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk player, whose contract with the Buddies or the Saints as they are also known, runs until next summer.

McGrath's valuation would have increased considerably after he became a senior international when he was capped for the Republic of Ireland against Andorra last month.

This is the time of the year when activity in the transfer market can be feverish as clubs go about bolstering their squads for the campaign ahead.

Any talk of transfers is sure to be unsettling for the 24-year-old who has expressed his contentment with St Mirren. He may prefer to stay with the club for another season at least especially as his contract runs until next summer.