James McCarthy’s days at Everton seem to be numbered, with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace reportedly interested once again.
That horrific broken leg suffered in a freak collision with West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon could hardly have come at a worse time for James McCarthy.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder had just started to force his way back into Everton’s starting XI under Sam Allardyce after falling out of favour during the final few months of Ronald Koeman’s reign at Goodison Park.
But that nightmare outing against West Brom back in January could now prove to be McCarthy’s final game for the Toffees.
Because the Mail is stating that Everton will listen to offers this summer and Crystal Palace are keen to sign the 27-year-old, who is on track to return ahead of schedule after four months of gruelling rehabilitation. He is hoping to be fit for the start of next season.
It is understood that Palace have made enquiries about McCarthy during the last couple of transfer windows and, with Everton keen to reshape their squad this summer, they could finally get their man with Eagles manager Roy Hodgson a big fan.
And the tenacious midfielder was a key player under the Spaniard, excelling as the Merseysiders came so close to qualifying for the Champions League in 2014.
But, thanks to injuries and fluctuating form, McCarthy’s importance has declined at Everton and he is now behind the likes of Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin in the pecking order.
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