Newcastle United have been linked with a £5m move for James McCarthy – a bid lower than what Everton rejected from Crystal Palace just days previously. After breaking their transfer record to sign Joelinton, the Magpies are looking for cheap options in midfield but stand little chance of procuring McCarthy’s signature with such a laughable offer.
Everton turned down £8m from Palace as they want £10m for the central midfielder. The Toffees are playing a risky game with McCarthy as he’ll be a free transfer in less than 12 months and has made just seven appearances in the last two seasons, but Marcel Brands was never going to entertain Newcastle’s low bid.
Mohamed Diame left the Toon Army over the summer and could be joined by Jack Colback (was surplus to requirements under Rafael Benitez), Sean Longstaff (has been linked with Manchester United) and Isaac Hayden (wanted to move closer to his family in Wales). McCarthy would be a surprise option to replace one of the trio, however.
He’s fallen down the pecking order at Everton, has racked up only 370 minutes of football since March 5, 2017 and has a long-standing problem with injuries. As per Transfermarkt, McCarthy has suffered issues with his hamstring, groin, knee and tibia/fibia over the last five years, missing 105 games. If Newcastle really want him, they’ll need to double their bid.