The Republic of Ireland international will not be moving to Newcastle United for £16m.
Everton have turned down Newcastle United’s £16 million offer for midfielder James McCarthy, the Daily Mail claims, but would he really be a useful addition to the Magpies’ midfield?
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The Republic of Ireland international has started only six Premier League games all season due to a combination of poor form and inconsistent fitness, while the January arrival of Morgan Schneiderlin and Mo Besic’s imminent return could further restrict his opportunities.
Consequently, the Daily Mail reports that a Newcastle side that has been frustrated throughout the transfer window by their inability to bring in a new midfielder had made a hefty £16 million bid.
Everton, such is their new found financial wriggle-room, reportedly dismissed the offer out of hand. And that is maybe for the best, at least from Newcastle’s perspective.
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After all, Jonjo Shelvey’s recent suspension only highlighted the need for more creativity in the midfield and McCarthy, a tenacious ball-winner, would merely represent an alternative to the pragmatic Jack Colback or Isaac Hayden.
Furthermore, according to WhoScored, the former Wigan enforcer is averaging far fewer tackles and interceptions per game these days compared to his 2013/14 vintage while his passing accuracy has dropped from 87 per cent to 73 per cent.
Out of form, overpriced and far too similar to the midfield options already at Rafa Benitez’s disposal, there is little to suggest McCarthy would have represented value for money.
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