Premier League-bound Newcastle eyeing up move for Everton’s James McCarthy

Championship champions Newcastle United are eyeing up a summer move for Everton outcast James McCarthy, according to The Daily Mail.

Rafa Benitez’s Magpies secured promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking this term, and pipped Chris Hughton’s Brighton to the title on Sunday after they eased past Barnsley 3-0 at St James’ Park, while the Seagulls could only draw at Aston Villa.

And attentions are already turning to their top-flight campaign next time around, and it appears that the North East giants are hoping to tempt Republic of Ireland international McCarthy away from Goodison Park this summer.

The 26-year-old has managed just seven league starts under Ronald Koeman this term, the latest of which coming against Bournemouth back in February, and although injury has frustrated his season, he doesn’t look like getting ahead of the likes of Idrissa Gueye, Morgan Schneiderlin, and Gareth Barry in the midfield pecking order.

And that is great news for Benitez’s Newcastle, who are reportedly on the lookout for solid Premier League players which much experience to help them compete in the top-flight next season.

There’s little doubt that, with 219 Premier League appearances under his belt from an eight-year spell in the top tier, McCarthy fits the bill.