Posh boss Darren Ferguson confirmed today that negotiations have started with Coutts' club Cove Rangers to bring the 19 year-old to London Road on a permanent basis.

Posh will have to pay a fee for the reigning Highland League player of the year, but Ferguson believes it will be worth it. Coutts has played just an hour in each of two friendlies against Liverpool and Stevenage.

Ferguson said: "I've seen enough of Paul to want him here. He's looked very comfortable in both games he's played with us and in training.

"He's good on the ball, he can see a pass and he can get around the pitch well for a lad who has been a part-time footballer all his career.

"But the most important thing is he can play. That's what I want from all my players and I am convinced Paul will give us something extra.

"We're talking to Cove about a fee and I hope something can be worked out pretty quickly."

Coutts would be challenging Micah Hyde, Dean Keates and Charlie Lee for the central midfield slots. Ferguson has already admitted he will be using 33 year-old Hyde more sparingly this season.

Coutts admitted after his Posh debut against Liverpool that he has always dreamt of becoming a full-time professional footballer. He flew down from his Aberdeen base on a one-way ticket desperate to prove himself in a trial that was originally due to last a fortnight.

Coutts said: "Being a professional footballer is a dream life. It is something I want badly and Peterborough appears to be a great set-up with a brilliant gaffer so I'd love to sign here."

Coutts has attracted plenty of interest from professional clubs north of the border, but he rejected offers of trials because of a desire to make it in England.

It's understood Championship club Charlton have shown an interest in him, but Posh look like sealing the deal ahead of Saturday's friendly at Rushden.

Posh assistant manager Kevin Russell spotted Coutts playing in a non-league international for Scotland last season.

Coutts will play at Rushden as will right-winger Shaun Batt who is on trial at London Road from Blue Square South side Fisher Athletic.