Everton midfielder James McCarthy has not been having the best of times recently under the new Everton boss Ronald Koeman. The Republic Of Ireland midfielder has been a first team regular under Roberto Martinez at both Wigan Athletic and Everton but Koeman so far has not utilised him in his preferred midfield role and the player has to play as the right wing back as a result. New signing Idrissa Gueye and Gareth Barry seems to be the first choice midfield pairing for the Dutch manager at the moment.
McCarthy is reported to have held talks with the senior club officials and expressed his desire to move on in search for first team football. The midfielder was left out of the squad in Everton’s last game against Stoke City and with Newcastle United, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Leicester City very interested, McCarthy is a player very much in demand.
Champions Leicester City feel like they need another midfielder to cover for the hardworking Nampalys Mendy and Danny Drinkwater and McCarthy might be the perfect replacement. The 25-year old has shown his quality over the years in the Premier League and has been exceptionally consistent in his position. His work rate and concentration coupled with his ability to break down plays in the middle third has for long been one of the key features of his playing time at both Wigan and Everton. Having joined Merseyside Blue on the deadline day of the 2013 summer transfer window for a fee of £13m, McCarthy has been one of the most successful signings during the duration which has seen his value rise to £20 m as a result.
