Crystal Palace are reportedly looking to revamp their midfield options in January.
According to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace are still keen on signing Everton midfielder James McCarthy – and will look to offload Jordan Mutch, possibly to Celtic, if they can land him.
Palace have endured a topsy-turvy season under Alan Pardew so far, and are expected to be busy in the January transfer market to make sure that they don’t get dragged into a relegation battle.
Watford’s Etienne Capoue in action with Everton’s James McCarthy
It now seems that central midfield is a particular area of concern for Pardew, with summer signing Mathieu Flamini free to join former club Marseille (The Mirror), and Pardew seemingly seeking a player to feature alongside James McArthur and Yohan Cabaye.
Now, the Daily Mail report that Palace still want to sign Everton midfielder James McCarthy, having missed out on a deal for him in the latter stages of the summer transfer window.
McCarthy, 26, has made more than 100 appearances for Everton since arriving from Wigan Athletic in 2013, but has found himself on the fringes of the side under Ronald Koeman.
Crystal Palace’s Jordon Mutch celebrates scoring
Many have expected the Republic of Ireland international to leave in January, and Palace appear to be near the front of the queue to sign him, as they look to pair him up with his former Hamilton Academical and Wigan team-mate McArthur.
Manager Pardew may struggle to meet Everton’s asking price though, and it’s stated that he will look to offload two midfielders to make way for a new signing; Welsh international Joe Ledley and forgotten man Jordon Mutch.
Former Celtic ace Ledley should attract interest, whilst it’s claimed that Mutch – who has played just eight minutes of Premier League action this season – could actually head to Celtic himself in January as a result of Palace’s search for a midfielder
The Daily Mail recently reported that Celtic could pay around £3.5m for Mutch, and they may receive a major boost in their pursuit of the 25-year-old if Palace can land McCarthy, making Mutch surplus to requirements.
Would you like to see Palace sign McCarthy?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
