Celtic are interested in signing James McCarthy in the summer transfer window, but they are facing competition from Newcastle United, according to TEAMtalk.
McCarthy is out of contract at Crystal Palace at the end of the season, and Celtic and Newcastle reportedly want to secure his services on a free transfer.
The Hoops came close to agreeing a deal over the transfer of the Republic of Ireland international central midfielder in the January transfer window and ‘remain very keen’, according to the report.
Newcastle United are now reportedly looking closely at the 30-year-old, having followed him for a number of years.
Good signing on a free transfer?
McCarthy is still only 30 years of age, and the Republic of Ireland international central midfielder is still in his prime.
The former Wigan Athletic and Everton man would be a good signing on a free transfer for Celtic or Newcastle.
The Magpies could do with a strong and dynamic footballer such as McCarthy – described as “a top-class player” by Palace manager Roy Hodgson in Football.London in February 2020 – in the team.
Celtic will be aiming to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title from Rangers next season, and McCarthy – who is a boyhood Hoops fans, according to 90min – would help them in that quest.
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