Rafa Benitez is keen to take Everton midfielder James McCarthy to Newcastle United this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
The 41 cap Republic of Ireland international has struggled to reestablish himself in the Toffees’ first team plans after an 18 month absence through injury, and it is understood that the Spaniard views him as a potential replacement for Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey, should one or both of them leave this summer.
The £50,000-a-week ace [Spotrac] played just 14 minutes of Premier League football this season.
OPINION
This could be a great move. McCarthy is a quality player, there’s no doubt about that, but he has had a torrid spell with injuries, and you can’t help feeling that he needs to move on from Goodison Park if he is to get his career back up and running again. As for Newcastle, the chances are that they stand to lose at least one central midfielder this summer, and the likelihood is that it could be even more. If that is the case then they will need reinforcements, and you would assume that McCarthy, so criminally underused at Everton, would be an ideal signing. He would be affordable and available, and at 28, he still has plenty left to give at the top level. Given the current situation at St. James’ Park, it is perhaps best to take every transfer report with a pinch of salt, but certainly, this has the feel of a deal that could happen.
