Everton midfielder James McCarthy has been linked with an exit from the club, and the bookies have installed Celtic as the new favourites to sign him.
Everton’s James McCarthy in action
Popular bookmakers SkyBet have slashed the odds on Everton midfielder James McCarthy moving to Celtic, making the Glasgow giants new 4/6 favourites to win the race for the Republic of Ireland international’s signature.
The 25-year-old’s future at Goodison Park has been growing increasingly uncertain as the transfer window deadline draws ever closer, and he has been linked with moves to various different clubs.
SkyBet place Leicester City as second favourites after their odds drifted out to 12/1 with Crystal Palace are listed third at 14/1.
Everton’s Aaron Lennon celebrates with James McCarthy after scoring their first goal
McCarthy moved to Everton from Wigan Athletic three years ago for a fee believed to be in the region of £13 million, and despite going on to make 93 league appearances for the Blues, his opportunities for first-team football may become limited this season due to the arrival of Idrissa Gueye.
McCarthy would certainly improve the Celtic side, should a move come to fruition, with his tenacious attitude and impressive passing range.
Everton’s James McCarthy
He was born in Glasgow and is a boyhood Celtic fan, so a move to the Hoops would seem an ideal fit.
Whether Celtic could afford the player’s wages on top of what will surely be a substantial transfer fee is another matter entirely, and one upon which the move could depend.
Would Brendan Rodgers be able to tempt McCarthy to move to Celtic Park?
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