Steve Bruce is keen to take James McCarthy to Newcastle United this summer, according to The Sun.
The 41-cap Republic of Ireland international is understood to be available for a knockdown fee as he enters the final year of his contract with current club Everton.
And it is believed that the Magpies are readying a bid of around £5 million to try and ensure he turns out in black and white next term.
OPINION
This could be a really shrewd move from Newcastle, if they can pull it off. McCarthy has had dreadful luck with injuries in recent times, and has seen himself slowly phased out at Goodison Park as a result of that torrid spell. Because of that, he only managed 14 minutes of football last season. To be fair to the Irishman, in that 14 minutes he managed a pass completion rate of 100%, as well as two tackles and an interception [Whoscored]. McCarthy is an all-action midfield battler, and one who has plenty of experience to boot. The only real concern would be fitness. The horrifying leg break he suffered in January 2018 will no doubt have left its mark on him psychologically, but the lack of football he managed as a result last season will also have been damaging. You would probably back the 28-year-old to have enough about him to come back from his ordeal, but signing him would still be a risk nonetheless. If it paid off, however, the Toon Army could be onto a winner.
