It seems all but certain that James McCarthy will leave Everton this summer. The Ireland midfielder started just seven Premier League games for Ronald Koeman last season through a mixture of injury and a failure to find favour with his new manager.
The question: Where will McCarthy land?
Burnley are the latest team to be linked with the 26-year-old. According to the Daily Mail, Sean Dyche's side have discussed the possibility of acquiring McCarthy with Everton.
Everton are interested in signing Michael Keane. There is a possibility that McCarthy could move as part of that transfer but a separate deal would also interest the Turf Moor club.
McCarthy has already been linked with several clubs this summer as his time at Goodison Park looks up. £20 million is the number which has been frequently mentioned.
Earlier this month, McCarthy was linked with a move to West Brom. Tony Pulis eyes the Scottish-born player as a replacement for the departed Darren Fletcher. Newcastle and Aston Villa are also rumoured to be interested.
If he did sign for Burnley, McCarthy would join an already strong Irish contingent at the club. Four Burnley players, Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick, Stephen Ward and Kevin Long, started the 1-1 draw with Austria earlier this month.
From Martin O'Neill's perspective, having so many of his first choice players playing regular Premier League football together would certainly be a positive.
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
