While it must be said betting odds are never the best indication that a move is indeed happening, Sky Bet have today revealed that Everton midfielder James McCarthy is just 2/1 to join Newcastle United.
The Republic of Ireland international has been touted as a potential target for the Championship leaders over the course of the past few months and perhaps the arrival of Morgan Schneiderlin at Goodison Park could push him further down the pecking order.
The 26-year-old has seen his stock somewhat fall on Merseyside under new Toffees coach Ronald Koeman, with Idrissa Gueye and Gareth Barry largely being preferred by the Dutchman this season.
With the Toon Army in desperate need of engine reinforcements as Rafa Benitez gears up to apply the finishing touches to his promotion charge on Tyneside, the former Wigan ace would represent a coup for a side in England’s second-tier.
Whether or not there’s anything to the flurry of bets remain to be seen, though McCarthy would certainly be a powerful partner for Jonjo Shelvey at the heart of a 4-2-3-1 formation for the closing stages of the Championship campaign.
