Newcastle United have reportedly failed with a bid for Everton midfielder James McCarthy.
According to the Daily Mail, Everton have rejected a £16million bid from Newcastle United for midfielder James McCarthy ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
The Toffees have added one new midfielder so far this month, bringing in Morgan Schneiderlin from Manchester United, but Ronald Koeman has also seen teenager Tom Davies emerge as a first-team player.
Republic of Ireland’s James McCarthy as Italy’s Stefano Sturaro sustains an injury
With everybody fit and available, Koeman now has Schneiderlin, Davies, Idrissa Gueye and Gareth Barry at his disposal, meaning questions have been asked about James McCarthy’s future at Goodison Park.
The Irishman has started just six Premier League games this season and just seven in total, a major change in role having been a regular under former boss Roberto Martinez, and many expected Koeman to sell McCarthy this month.
Liverpool’s Adam Lallana in action with Everton’s James McCarthy
However, the Daily Mail now report that Newcastle United have failed with a £16million bid for McCarthy, as chairman Bill Kenwright has told the Magpies that the midfielder is not for sale this month.
The 26-year-old was allegedly identified not only as a player who could help Newcastle win promotion to the Premier League, but also help them establish themselves in the top flight again next term and beyond.
Everton appear to have rebuffed Newcastle though, leaving McCarthy to fight for his place in Koeman’s squad for the rest of the season, which could be a real battle given his lack of playing time so far this term.
McCarthy would have been a superb addition next to Jonjo Shelvey in the Newcastle midfield, whilst also focusing on signing British players again, having landed the likes of Grant Hanley, Isaac Hayden, Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle over the summer.
Rafael Benitez’s men seemingly won’t be able to land McCarthy this month, but it would be little surprise to see Newcastle make another move for the midfielder at the end of the season, when Everton may be more open to a deal.
Would you have liked to see Newcastle sign McCarthy?
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