Ballymena United have rejected a bid from Crystal Palace for 16-year-old striker Matthew Shevlin.

The highly-rated forward was on trial with the south London club during the summer and apparently impressed Selhurst chiefs.

However, the semi-professional Northern Ireland club have turned down the Eagles’ initial approach for Shevlin, suggesting the offer was below their valuation.

“Crystal Palace suggested they were keen to get a deal tied up quickly but their offer wasn't really one we would entertain,” chairman John Taggart told the Ballymena Times.

“Hopefully they will have another think and come back with an improved offer - I would be disappointed if they didn't.

“We don't want the young lad to be held back, but at the same time we have to look after the interests of Ballymena United and try to get a deal which will give us a platform to take the club forward.

“But central to everything is that it has to be a deal that suits Matthew - we wouldn't send him to anywhere that he didn't want to go.”

With Palace’s bid rejected, the door could be opened to a host of other English and Scottish clubs who are also interested in Shevlin.

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