Newcastle want to pair Everton midfielder James McCarthy and Fulham playmaker Tom Cairney in the centre of midfield for next season, according to Daily Mail journalist Simon Jones.
Cairney has been a long term target for manager Rafa Benitez, while McCarthy has also been on the club’s radar for a number of months. The Toffees midfielder has had his injury problems this season with his manager Ronald Koeman and his national coach, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill, being involved in heated exchanges about the player’s fitness.
Crystal Palace and West Ham are also reportedly pursuing the 26 year old, and although Koeman has expressed his desire for the player to stay at the club, the Daily Mail say he could be available for £20m as Everton look to free up funding for their own transfer plans.
Cairney meanwhile could be subject to a £12m bid from Newcastle very soon with Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards reporting last week that Benitez is keen to tie up a deal for the Fulham star as early in the summer as possible.
