West Brom join Newcastle in race for Everton midfielder James McCarthy

Premier League outfit West Brom have joined Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle in pursuit of Everton outcast James McCarthy, according to The Daily Mirror.

The 26-year-old midfielder moved to Goodison Park back in 2013 to reunite with ex-Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, and has since then gone on to play 127 times for the Toffees, netting six goals in that time.

However, last term saw the Republic of Ireland international struggle for gametime under Ronald Koeman, earning just seven starts in the Premier League, and although some of that was down to injury, it’s clear that when all the midfield options are fit, McCarthy isn’t a first choice at the club.

And this has attracted interest from other top-flight clubs in recent times, with recent reports suggesting that Tony Pulis’ West Brom have joined Newcastle in the race for the 26-year-old.

The Baggies saw the influential Darren Fletcher move to Stoke earlier this month and thus need to fill the void left by the former Manchester United man, and although McCarthy hasn’t played much football in recent times, there’s little doubt that he’s an accomplished Premier League midfielder, and one who could do a job in Pulis’ side.

However, Benitez is also interested in landing the £12.75 million-rated midfield maestro (as per Transfermarkt) as he looks to reinforce ahead of their return to the Premier League, yet with the Toffees holding out for in excess of £15 million, it remains to be seen where McCarthy is playing his football come August.