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The Hatters face fierce competition for AFC Fylde starlet Taelor O'Kane this summer

Stockport County are said to be facing a race against League One rivals Peterborough United for the signing of AFC Fylde ace Taelor O’Kane this summer.

That’s according to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, who claims that the race is heating up for the teenage talent, who has impressed in his first full taste of professional football at Mill Farm.

The young star featured in 19 matches for the Coasters in all competitions during the previous campaign and netted four times for the club in his breakout season on the North West coast.

The fact that the Hatters are facing a battle against Posh for the starlet’s signature speaks volumes for County’s recruitment this summer, with their transfer rivals having quite the reputation when it comes to plucking out non-league gems.

Taelor O’Kane latest non-league star to enter Peterborough United radar

You only have to look at Peterborough’s squads over the past few seasons to see how they have gathered great success in bringing the finest talents that the non-league circuit has to offer to the club.

The likes of Ephron Mason-Clark and Jack Taylor are two of the latest examples of diamonds that have been polished during their time at London Road, with the former Barnet pair going on to earn moves higher up the pyramid as a result.

Taylor finds himself preparing for a Premier League season in the weeks to come, following his reported £1.5 million move to Ipswich Town last summer, before helping the Suffolk side earn promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking.

While for Mason-Clark, a move to Championship side Coventry City was completed in the recent January transfer window, before the forward was loaned back to London Road for the remainder of the 23/24 campaign.

Posh have also acted in bringing Altrincham star Chris Conn-Clarke to the club this summer, following his impressive performance in the National League, in which he netted 22 times across the previous campaign.

The fact that County had earmarked another potential talent in O’Kane speaks plenty for their methods of recruitment this summer, as the Hatters look to scour the transfer market for bargain buys ahead of their League One campaign.

Having already brought in the likes of Lewis Fiorini, Lewis Bate, and Jack Diamond to the club, Dave Challinor has a strong-looking squad at his disposal for the following 12 months, as County look to build on their League Two title success in May.

Taelor O’Kane tipped for bright career after early AFC Fylde promise

Having caught the eye during the early stages of his career, it is no surprise that O’Kane is a player who has already been heavily praised by manager Chris Beech.

The teenager only signed his first professional deal with the club last May, with a one-year deal struck, with the club having an option to extend that contract if they wished.

Speaking at the time, the former Carlisle United boss [pictured] said: “Having watched Taelor train with the first team over the Christmas period, both Adam and I looked at each other and said: ‘WOW’ after a performance in a small-sided game.

“Since then, Taelor’s progress has seen him train and travel regularly with the first team whilst attending meetings to educate and expand his football intelligence.

“Taelor comes from a great family where his dad, John O’Kane, used to play professionally for Manchester United and Everton, and after meeting his mum on the day he signed his contract, Taelor gave me great confidence that his family values will stand him in good stead for his future challenges.”

If County make him theirs this summer, it will show they really mean business against the likes of Posh, whose reputation speaks for themselves in nurturing non-league talent.

Location could also play into County’s hands, with the teenager not needing to up sticks if he makes the move to Edgeley Park this summer, as he weighs up his future prospects.

Whatever happens with the AFC Fylde man, the Hatters have shown that they are willing to give players from below the fourth tier a chance in the Football League, with Posh proving it to be a very valuable source of talent when used properly.