James McCarthy M free agent b.1990

[Crosby87]

It would be a dream to have James in the same side as Bafetimbi Gomis.

[tricky_colour]

Will believe it when I see it.
If I had a penny for every McCarthy rumour I would buy him myself!!!

[Charlie Darwin]

No offers for McCarthy says Coyle: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/no-offers-for-james-mccarthy-coyle-1.1484302

[youngirish]

No offers for McCarthy says Coyle: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/no-offers-for-james-mccarthy-coyle-1.1484302
I've always thought McCarthy was a very average Premiership player. I'd be very surprised if he gets a move to anyone who would be challenging for a spot in the top 7-8 in the Premiership unless his old manager Martinez takes a punt on him (though with Moyes gone I think Everton will be lucky to finish in the top half of the table this year anyway). The rumours that the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham were interested in him appeared to be very pie in the sky and the fact he's still playing for Wigan in the Championship seems to confirm this was the case. Even if he did get a move to one of those teams could anyone really see him keeping his place in any of their first teams without a massive improvement?

[Charlie Darwin]

Well he's still playing in the Championship because Wigan are holding out for £20 million. Everton have made several bids and Spurs' interest has been confirmed by multiple sources. There's still a month to go in the transfer window.

[youngirish]

Well he's still playing in the Championship because Wigan are holding out for £20 million. Everton have made several bids and Spurs' interest has been confirmed by multiple sources. There's still a month to go in the transfer window.

Apparently Owen Coyle hasn't even received an inquiry. Surely if there had been bids he would have been notified even if they had been made prior to him taking over.

[Charlie Darwin]

Apparently Owen Coyle hasn't even received an inquiry. Surely if there had been bids he would have been notified even if they had been made prior to him taking over.
Apparently Owen Coyle hasn't had inquiries for any of his players. Presumably that includes the players he's already sold. We can surmise that Owen Coyle is not telling the whole truth.

[ArdeeBhoy]

There's no way he'll go for £20 million, a bargaining figure surely...

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd imagine £15 million is more the craic, depending on how late Everton hold out on selling Fellaini.

[Sullivinho]

Yeah, they'd surely snap the hand off someone for £15 million. Canny move on Wigan's part getting Chris McCann in too, on a free to boot. Perfect replacement.

[Crosby87]

Would Bafetimbi Gomis and James consider rooming together if they were both on Newcastle? That's the question.

[Irwin3]

I've always thought McCarthy was a very average Premiership player. I'd be very surprised if he gets a move to anyone who would be challenging for a spot in the top 7-8 in the Premiership unless his old manager Martinez takes a punt on him (though with Moyes gone I think Everton will be lucky to finish in the top half of the table this year anyway). The rumours that the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham were interested in him appeared to be very pie in the sky and the fact he's still playing for Wigan in the Championship seems to confirm this was the case. Even if he did get a move to one of those teams could anyone really see him keeping his place in any of their first teams without a massive improvement?

I strongly disagree. Everton top 6 again with an outside chance at top 4. Martinez has strengthened the squad from last year and the players look free and ready to kick on. Gone are the days of Moyes picking his favourites (Neville). Young players breaking through will now be given a chance (Barkley). Injury-free seasons from Coleman, Gibson and Mirallas would add 10+ points to last seasons tally by itself.

On the other hand, I would say the Moyes limitations will show themselves this season at United. If they don't strengthen I'd say they will struggle for top 2.

[DannyInvincible]

James McCarthy is firmly in Trap's plan for the Sweden game: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/westwood-to-keep-place-for-qualifiers-as-sidelined-stars-get-trap-ultimatum-29503420.html

Paul Green won't be starting. Trap has also urged James to find a Premier League club by then; it appears it may be a real possibility.


James McCarthy particularly impressed the 74-year-old, who confirmed that the Wigan man is central to his plans for the Swedish encounter. Remember, he was dropped for the initial meeting in Stockholm until a late injury to Glenn Whelan opened the door.

Trapattoni is optimistic that the 22-year-old will be a Premier League player by the time of their next gathering. "He spoke to me about the possibility," he said. "I wish he can change."

[Charlie Darwin]

I think McCarthy's chances depend on Everton selling Fellaini. There is no other Premier League club willing to pay the asking price and Wigan are financially secure enough that they don't need to sell. It might not be the worst thing in the world if he does stay there for a season.

[dr_peepee]

Nah... He's gotten as much as he's ever gonna get from Wigan. Another season there wont make him worse but he wont improve beyond that. He needs to move now at this stage.

[Crosby87]

Macca could finally move to Everton if United Raid is on.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/333226/Manchester-United-double-deal-key-to-James-McCarthy-s-move-to-Everton

[Charlie Darwin]

Fair play to the Star for getting that exclusive. I know which paper I'll be buying in future for my insider info. It's not as if everyone's been saying it since about June.

[tricky_colour]

Let's hope James has not retired before the transfer goes through.

[Sullivinho]

The Daily Star Sunday understands that Republic of Ireland midfielder McCarthy is not considering retirement.

[tricky_colour]

Those stats are interesting. Without comparing them to anything, 2.6 tackles per game seems like nothing!

It does, but the best tackler only made 4.7 and only 18 players achieved 3 or more tackles per game.

I remember from my playing days that you didn't not make many tackle in a game, indeed I can still remember a few of them
on one guy (who later nearly broke my legs with a tackle lol). Most players tend to get rid of the ball before you can tackle them,
it's the wingers who get tackled most I would say as they have less passing options.

[tricky_colour]

Wigan 1 Doncaster 1.

McClean subbed in 61
McCarthy played the full match.

Also Paul Keegan (Irish) (great football name!!) playing for Doncaster who were promoted from League one as Champions.

Doncaster level on points with relegated Wigan!

[tetsujin1979]

Wigan 1 Doncaster 1.

McClean subbed in 61
McCarthy played the full match.

Also Paul Keegan (Irish) (great football name!!) playing for Doncaster who were promoted from League one as Champions.

Doncaster level on points with relegated Wigan!

it finished 2-2
Chris McCann made his first start for Wigan and was subbed off on 81 minutes

[DannyInvincible]

Apparently Newcastle are interested in James in light of Cabaye's likely departure: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2402326/Newcastle-entered-race-Wigan-midfielder-James-McCarthy.html

[Charlie Darwin]

This is the just the old McCarthy-to-Newcastle rumour repurposed in light of Cabaye going on strike. Silly stuff.

[Grafter]

We'll see, heard that Newcastle rumour on TodayFM today too... I'd say Newcastle would be looking for "British Isles" talent now due to the increased Gallicness of dressingroom.

[Charlie Darwin]

Newceltic United?

[Charlie Darwin]

Small little tidbit from this article (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-transfers-everton-offered-2233947) on Fellaini/Baines:


The Everton boss wants to pay his previous employers just £12m plus extras for McCarthy, who he signed and brought through the ranks.

But Latics want £15m, in a deal potentially rising in value to £20m.

Wigan need to ask for such a big fee as Martinez agreed to pass a whacking 20 per cent of the profit from his sale to Hamilton Academical, the Scottish club he bought the Glasgow-born Ireland international from four years ago.

Great piece of business by Accies if true. Would push their profit on James up to the £6m mark.

[gastric]

Shock horror, it seems McCarthy might move to Everton according to the Indo!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/james-mccarthy-set-for-everton-move-29536682.html

[elroy]

Celtic to make a late bid according to reports this evening.

[Charlie Darwin]

Well they have an hour and five minutes to tie it up! I can't really see it happening, they'd have to shatter their transfer record and he'd be the highest earner by miles and that would be at odds with the prudent approach they've been taking in recent years. Probably just papers trying to generate a bit of traffic.

[Closed Account]

Well they have an hour and five minutes to tie it up! I can't really see it happening, they'd have to shatter their transfer record and he'd be the highest earner by miles and that would be at odds with the prudent approach they've been taking in recent years. Probably just papers trying to generate a bit of traffic.
? The transfer window closes Monday at 11pm

[Charlie Darwin]

It's tonight in Scotland. So 33 minutes.

[tricky_colour]

I wonder if he has packed his bags yet?

[DannyInvincible]

Wigan have rejected a £10 million bid from Everton for James: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23923633


Wigan Athletic have rejected a bid in the region of £10m from Everton for midfielder James McCarthy, according to Latics chairman Dave Whelan.

The FA Cup holders have also turned down a bid of about £2.5m from Crystal Palace for winger Callum McManaman.

"I hope James stays with us, but I've said I won't stand in his way," said Whelan of the 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international.

Everton are managed by former Wigan boss Roberto Martinez.

"We are waiting to see what happens at Everton, which is a difficult position to be in," added Whelan.

McCarthy, who has played 16 times for the Republic, has been linked with a move to Goodison Park to fill a possible void left should Toffees midfielder Marouane Fellaini move to Manchester United.

But Whelan said he fears that, as Monday's transfer deadline draws closer, his manager Owen Coyle will have less chance to find a replacement.

"We rejected the bid because it's still not near the value we'd expect," added Whelan.

"If we have to sell James then we will have to bring someone in and that's not easy. I really hope he stays with us. Everyone seems to leave the business until the last minute."


I understand that talks between Fellaini and United are at an advanced stage, so it's likely that Everton will up their bid before tonight's deadline, assuming the Fellaini deal goes through.

[Crosby87]

Trap thinks he is worth 14 million.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/ireland-boss-giovanni-trapattoni-believes-2245840

[DannyInvincible]

McCarthy's potential move to Everton is not reliant on Fellaini signing for United, according to the BBC.


BBC Sport understands that Toffees manager Roberto Martinez is hopeful of completing the signing of midfielder James McCarthy from Wigan Athletic, although the transfer is not reliant on 25-year-old Fellaini going to United.

[tricky_colour]

The fact they say it is not reliant on Fellaini kind of suggest it is, they will certainly have less money in the bank
and more midfield players if Fellani is not sold.

It like a chain selling a house.

[geysir]

Trap thinks he is worth 14 million.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/ireland-boss-giovanni-trapattoni-believes-2245840

Trap might well think that, but he hasn't expressed an opinion on James' transfer fee.

[DannyInvincible]

A post-transfer EvertonFC.com video interview with James prior to his re-uniting with the national team: http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2013/09/03/mccarthy-thrilled-to-join-blues


James McCarthy has expressed his delight at joining Everton.

The Republic of Ireland international put pen to paper on a long-term arrangement just before the transfer window closed and the deal was formally confirmed by the Premier League overnight.

After a summer of widespread speculation Roberto Martinez secured the signature of the 22-year old, who is relishing the opportunity to link up with his former boss.

A delighted McCarthy told evertontv: "To be honest I am over the moon. The last few hours have been nerve-racking and I am delighted to be here.

"Once I knew Everton were interested there was no going back - I wanted to come here and try and establish myself.

"I worked under the manager for four years at Wigan, they were four brilliant years. I loved every minute of that. I know some of the boys who are here so it was a no-brainer to be honest."

McCarthy was a key player under Martinez at the DW Stadium and played a pivotal role in Wigan's dramatic FA Cup final triumph in May.

Having emerged at Hamilton Academicals as a 15-year-old in 2006, he has already played over 200 senior games despite his relatively young age.

He was named the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year in 2009, shortly before being recruited for Wigan by Martinez, and amid reported interest from other top flight sides he has opted to take his career to the next stage by joining the Blues.

[DannyInvincible]

The fact they say it is not reliant on Fellaini kind of suggest it is, they will certainly have less money in the bank
and more midfield players if Fellani is not sold.

It like a chain selling a house.

I think you were right. Suggesting that the club's weeks-long chasing after and eventual signing of McCarthy weren't reliant on Fellaini's departure, along with Fellaini's "last-minute" handing in of a transfer request (probably in accordance with a demand made by the Everton board to his agent), seemed like club PR efforts to save face and conceal any willingness to let a player like Fellaini depart.

[geysir]

Hamilton receive a nice bonus.
He went for the aforementioned £14m, according to the Mirror.

'Everton also swooped for James McCarthy in a £14million deal following a bitter wrangle with Wigan. Roberto Martinez finally agreed a fee with his former club just 90 minutes before the window shut – with the Republic of Ireland midfielder relieved at the end result. The Spaniard had haggled with successor Owen Coyle throughout the day and increased his £7m offer by almost 100 per cent. One of the major snags was that Wigan have to pay McCarthy’s former Scottish club Hamilton a stunning 20 per cent of the profit on the player.'

[Junior]

Its funny, I listened to the Newstalk podcast from yesterday/day before and Daniel McConnell was on it saying he was at a Golfing event and was sat on the same table as Dave Whelan with some other journalists and Whelan was cool as you like, actually taking a call from Kenright whilst sat at the table and spending 5 or 10 minutes discussing the McCarthy deal. McConnell said the journalists barely knew where to look, Whelan was so relaxed about it. He got a good deal for Wigan in the end, I guess he knew how much Martinez wanted James and Wigan in no way needed to sell.

In summary, I doubt Coyle and Martinez spoke all day let alone haggled :D

[geysir]

And never mind the supposed "bitter wrangle".

[DeLorean]

Martinez hails McCarthy potential (http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2013/09/04/martinez-hails-mccarthy-potential)

[Fergie's Son]

So Gibson and McCarthy in the middle for Everton? Will be interesting to see how they do but I'll be paying a lot closer attention to Everton now.

[DannyInvincible]

Will Barry squeeze his way in there?

[Irwin3]

Barry on big wages. Can't be there just to sit on the bench. Martinez probably feels he can't rely on Gibson with his injury record. We'll see how it all pans out. Would love to see Gibson and McCarthy build a partnership.

[as_i_say]

James had a shocker against the Swedes. It was truly depressing to watch such a gifted footballer give as shambolic a display as that. It must go against every fibre in his body to try and play the way trap wants-he just looked completely lost. At least Scotland are doing worse than us at the moment eh:beer:

[DeLorean]

Everton v Chelsea Live on Sky Sports 1 tomorrow at 17:30.

Serious competition for places in that Everton midfield now with Gibson seemingly back and Barry also signed. Barkley looks a very good prospect also but will probably be played further forward. If Mac doesn't buck up fast and start taking responsibility instead of the easy option his career could start going the other direction. I don't mean to sound dramatic but I think the 'young card' has expired and it's time to start demanding the ball instead of pointing out safer options to the man in possession.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Due to be interviewed on BBC Radio 5 in the next hour...

Will try to find a link
http://www.bbc.co.uk/5live

may work...

Also
http://www.thescore.ie/james-mccarthy-14million-price-tag-interview-1083069-Sep2013/