NEWCASTLE and Crystal Palace are set to battle it out for Everton’s James McCarthy, according to reports.
The Championship high-flyers and Premier League strugglers both see the midfielder as the ideal man to bolster their hopes of being in the top-flight next season.
The Irish international star has started just six league matches for the Toffees this season since Ronald Koeman’s arrival last summer.
Morgan Schneiderlin’s recent arrival, plus the emergence of Tom Davies, has pushed the 26-year-old even further down the pecking order and now Everton are ready to cash in.
The Daily Mail report that both the Magpies and Eagles are plotting a move for the ex-Wigan Athletic man ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
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McCarthy followed Roberto Martinez to Goodison Park from the Latics in 2013 and made more than 100 appearances under the Spaniard.
Since Martinez was dismissed from his role at the end of last season, McCarthy has found things much more difficult and the club are willing to listen to any offers from interested parties.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez wants McCarthy to form a partnership with Jonjo Shelvey in the heart of his Toon side as they chase an immediate return to the Premier League.
Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce is desperate to add new recruits into his struggling side as they look to beat the drop.
Both clubs have money to spend and it looks likely that bids for the ace will be launched within the coming days.
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