It has been an eventful transfer window for Crystal Palace so far. Steve Mandanda, James Tomkins, Andros Townsend and Christian Benteke were signed some time back while the Eagles also brought Loic Remy on loan from Chelsea. However, the Eagles are still looking active in the market on the deadline day and Alan Pardew could come up with a late piece of firework.
Sky Sports are claiming that Crystal Palace are pretty much in the race for Everton midfielder James McCarthy. Although the same report also claims that Palace moving for McCarthy would likely hinge on whether a deal for Wilshere can be completed or not. Regardless of Wilshere moving to Selhurst Park on a season-loan, McCarthy would be a brilliant addition to the Eagles and makes much more sense than Wilshere.
Brings dynamism in midfield
McCarthy is a midfielder who has pretty much everything you demand from a box to box midfielder. He was a vital component in the way Roberto Martinez set up his team at both Wigan and Everton. With the focus on attack, it was upon McCarthy to do the dirty work in the midfield. Blessed with a solid concentration and an ability to win the ball, McCarthy could easily fix Crystal Palace’s defensive woes.
We have seen the Eagles leaking away sloppy goals last season and it would be unfair to blame the back four for that. Alan Pardew’s side are still lacking a midfielder who can screen the defence. If McCarthy’s move to the South London club goes through, we can see the Irish international reuniting with his former Wigan teammate James McArthur in the middle of the park. The duo share a brilliant chemistry between them and the two plying their trade in midfield will offer Yohan Cabaye the license to operate in a much more attacking role.
McCarthy is still only 25 and still possesses an immense experience at the top level. Having featured 133 times for Wigan, 116 times for Everton and 99 times for his boyhood club Hamilton Academical, McCarthy is a seasoned campaigner at the top level. It will be foolish from Everton to let the Irish international move, though. If Pardew can get this deal done before the deadline, Crystal Palace will be much stronger as a unit.
