If Burnley sign James McCarthy from Everton will Newcastle live to regret it?
Burnley manager Sean Dyche
It is looking increasingly likely that James McCarthy will leave Everton this summer after four years with the club, as Ronald Koeman looks to shake up his squad.
However, while newly promoted Newcastle United have been the favourites to sign the midfielder for some time, suddenly Burnley have emerged as candidates, according to the Daily Mail.
The Toffees are holding out for £20m for a 26-year-old they paid £13m to Wigan Athletic for in 2013 and Newcastle are yet to meet that valuation.
The Clarets, meanwhile, are facing the prospect of losing defender Michael Keane, with the Liverpool Echo reporting Everton are now the favourites to sign the England international.
Therefore the blow of Keane departing Turf Moor could be softened somewhat by the arrival of McCarthy, perhaps with the Irishman being used as a makeweight in the deal.
Burnley’s Michael Keane
Yet will the Magpies regret not making their move for the midfield enforcer when they had the chance, if he does indeed complete the switch to Burnley?
While Jonjo Shelvey is undoubtedly a Premier League player, McCarthy would be an improvement on both Jack Colback and the emerging talent of Isaac Hayden in the middle.
Plus with 218 appearances in the English top flight to his name and plenty of years still left ahead of him playing at his peak, the Republic of Ireland international represents both an experienced head and a signing for the future.
Watford’s Etienne Capoue in action with Everton’s James McCarthy
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
