Ireland's James McCarthy could be on the move before the end of the transfer window, with Newcastle United said to be interested in signing the Everton midfielder.
The Northern Echo report that Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is looking to strengthen his midfield but has made little progress so far this month. The Spaniard has identified McCarthy as one of the players he feels he can push through a transfer for to bolster his squad.
The 26-year-old has made just eight Premier League appearances and with the arrival of Morgan Schneiderlin from Manchester United this month, it appears his opportunities to play will be further limited.
Muhamed Besic looks set to come back into the side from injury, so the Republic of Ireland international may need to look at some of the clubs interested in securing his services. Same Allardyce's Crystal Palace - who have been given permission to speak to £14m-rated Patrick van Aanholt from Sunderland - are another one of the clubs set to be in the running.
Newcastle already host an Irishman in their ranks, 33-year-old striker Daryl Murphy. The Magpies are confident that the lure of promotion could be enough to tempt the midfielder away from Merseyside.
James McCarthy may be on the move before the end of the transfer window. His chances of breaking into the Everton first team suffered a blow with the arrival of Morgan Schneiderlin from Old Trafford. Image: Peter Byrne PA Wire/PA Images
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