Leeds United have already made their move to sign James McCarthy from Crystal Palace, according to 90 Minutes.
Leeds are on the hunt for new additions following their promotion to the Premier League, and McCarthy has apparently emerged on their radar.
The Republic of Ireland international could be available, after struggling for game time at Palace this term.
McCarthy has fallen behind other options in Roy Hodgson squad, and Leeds are already said to have made contact with Palace over signing the 29-year-old.
The Eagles want around £8 million for the combative midfielder, who would bring energy and Premier League experience to Leeds’ ranks.
Indeed, Palace boss Roy Hodgson raved about McCarthy’s ability just months ago, proving he is still a big fan of the former Everton man.
“He’s been getting better and better,” Hodgson said to Football London.
“His fitness returned at Everton, but he wasn’t able to break in, and he had to do something similar here too but it’s nice to see his confidence growing and the player I persuaded the club to buy because I knew we were getting a top-class player.”
If McCarthy was brought to Leeds he could give them some real defensive steel, if partnered with Kalvin Phillips in midfield.
The Palace man would also likely have the energy levels to cope in Marcelo Bielsa’s high-pressing system, so he could be a good fit.
Leeds will have to beat off a number of other clubs to his signature though, as Newcastle United and West Ham United are also said to be interested.
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