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Goalkeeper William Atherton on Liverpool radar

William Atherton, 15, is now on the radar of not only Liverpool but Manchester City, Burnley and Everton in the Premier League.

He is seen as one of the coming forces of the English goalkeeping scene - and has recently turned down his club’s offer of a scholarship contract.

That development piqued the interest from Premier League teams in the young talent named as “the new James Trafford” with the Man City goalkeeper also emerging from the Carlisle ranks.

“Liverpool, Manchester City, Everton and Burnley are keeping a close eye on Carlisle United sensation William Atherton,” the report reads.

“The 15-year-old has turned down the offer of a scholarship and early professional deal at the National League side and placed his high-profile suitors on alert.”

William Atherton: Situation summary

William Atherton is a 15-year-old, 6ft 2in English goalkeeper emerging from Carlisle United’s youth ranks and already viewed as one of the standout keepers in his age group.

He is profiled as a modern stopper: tall and commanding, but also comfortable with the ball at his feet and seen as someone who can eventually contribute to build-up, not just shot-stopping.

Reports consistently stress his potential, athleticism and temperament rather than detailed technical breakdowns, with some dubbing him “the next James Trafford” to reflect his trajectory from Carlisle to possible elite level.

Contract-wise, Atherton has turned down a Carlisle scholarship and early professional deal, effectively putting himself on the market for a move higher up the pyramid this summer.

Liverpool, Manchester City, Everton and Burnley are all monitoring him closely, with a pathway envisaged that mirrors Trafford’s: an early move to a top Premier League club, academy and loan development, then a route to long-term first-team football if he fulfils his promise.