James McCarthy was rumoured to be on the verge of leaving Everton in January.
Ronald Koeman has confirmed that he never changed his mind about Everton midfielder James McCarthy at his latest press conference, which was broadcast on the Toffees’ official Periscope channel.
There were rumours that McCarthy could be sold by Everton in January, with Newcastle United amongst the sides interested in signing the combative midfielder.
However, Koeman insists that he has always rated the Republic of Ireland international highly, and the only reason he was not playing regularly at the start of the season was because of his lack of fitness.
“All of that speculation is speculation. From the beginning he was an Everton player and I did not change my mind,” Koeman said about McCarty.
“He was not at that fitness at the beginning, but then he showed his quality. He was never on the list to leave Everton, that was all rumours.”
McCarthy now forms part of Everton’s central midfield options, which look very strong.
The Toffees have the likes of Tom Davies, Idrissa Gueye, Morgan Schneiderlin and Gareth Barry all available to them to play in the centre of midfield.
McCarthy, therefore, faces a fight to win a place in Everton’s team – and he could have to make do with a place on the bench this weekend.
Everton are next in action on Saturday, when they take on Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
