Report: West Brom make first move to sign Everton’s James McCarthy, but may have to spend up to £25m

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West Bromwich Albion have reportedly enquired about signing Everton midfielder James McCarthy.

Everton’s James McCarthy celebrates scoring

According to the Daily Mail, West Bromwich Albion have made their first move for Everton midfielder James McCarthy by lodging an enquiry for his services.

The Baggies endured a difficult end to the season, as Tony Pulis oversaw yet another slump after reaching 40 points, as has become traditional for his teams.

General view of fans outside the stadium before the game

Whilst the club have invested in the likes of Nacer Chadli and Jake Livermore over the last 12 months, more spending is expected this summer as the Baggies look to cement their place as a top 10 clubs in the Premier League.

Now, the Daily Mail report that Pulis is keen to strengthen his midfield options, and has made his first move to bring in Everton’s James McCarthy this summer.

Watford’s Etienne Capoue in action with Everton’s James McCarthy

It’s claimed that West Brom have enquired about signing McCarthy, who started just five Premier League games this season in a stop-start campaign, in which he was unable to find form or fitness on a consistent basis.

The Ireland international, 26, followed Roberto Martinez from Wigan to Goodison Park in the summer of 2013, and he has now racked up more than 125 appearances in an Everton shirt.

Republic of Ireland’s James McCarthy in action with Georgia’s Levan Mchedlidze

Yet with Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin signed over the last 12 months and Tom Davies emerging through the ranks, McCarthy’s days on Merseyside could be numbered, with the Toffees allegedly seeking a fee of between £20million and £25million for his signature.

With Darren Fletcher gone to Stoke City, another midfielder may be needed to challenge with Claudio Yacob and the aforementioned Livermore, though whether the Baggies are prepared to pay such a huge fee for McCarthy remains to be seen.

Would you like to see West Brom sign McCarthy?