Newcastle should prioritise Fulham’s Tom Cairney over Everton’s James McCarthy.
Republic of Ireland’s James McCarthy in action with Georgia’s Levan Mchedlidze
Newcastle United target James McCarthy is available this summer at £20 million, The Mail reports, with Everton ready to cash in.
Newcastle have been linked to McCarthy over the past year and having clinched a return to the Premier League, the door seems open for them to land the Republic of Ireland international.
The problem is that at £20 million, Newcastle should be using their funds more wisely, specifically on Fulham ace Tom Cairney, who The Telegraph report they are keen on signing.
Fulham’s Tom Cairney celebrates
Cairney was the best player in the Championship last season not to win an award, creating more chances than any other player.
He scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists, and deserves a crack at the Premier League.
James McCarthy is the same age as Cairney at 26, and is far more of a defensive player than the Fulham man.
Fulham’s Tom Cairney celebrates
At £20 million, Newcastle want to be buying a game changer. Cairney is it and McCarthy is not.
He made just seven starts in the Premier League last season, while Cairney is coming off 39 regular season games and is full of confidence.
It is he who would give Newcastle the better chance of taking their game to opponents. The Toon should not meet Everton’s demands when there is a superior option in Cairney who could be available for the same price.
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