Everton make bid for Cliftonville striker Rory Donnelly

Everton have emerged as favourites to sign Cliftonville striker Rory Donnelly after making a formal offer for the Northern Ireland U21 international.

Swansea's bid of £100,000 for the 19-year-old accepted last week but it is believed Thursday's offer from the Toffees is considerably higher.

Liverpool have also registered their interest in Donnelly, who has scored 17 goals this season.

Cliftonville want a deal for Donnelly to be sorted out by Friday.

Arsenal representative Steve Morrow attended Wednesday's Carling Premiership game with a view to seeing Donnelly in action but the striker did not come off the bench.

A scout from Leicester was also present at the match in the hope of seeing Donnelly play.

Liverpool manager Dalglish contacted the the Irish League club on Sunday.

"We've registered our interest, that's as far as it goes," Dalglish said.

The Belfast club want Donnelly's future to be finalised before Christmas.

Donnelly has already met with Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers and Everton manager David Moyes.

Rodgers said on Monday that he was confident of signing the Northern Ireland Under-21 international.

The forward has been the star performer in the Carling Premiership this season, leading to interest from a number of clubs.