James McCarthy 'transfer request' denied

As quickly as the rumour was made up, so it was dismissed.

The Liverpool Echo, presumably having spoken to club sources, insist that James McCarthy has not asked to leave Everton this summer.

Reports on Tuesday surfaced suggested that the Ireland midfielder had asked to leave Goodison Park, with an unnamed source claiming the club have showed a "lack of respect" over new contract talks.

The whole article in question looked like it was fed by an agent in order to try and exert pressure on the club to speed up negotiations.

That certainly seems the case given Everton's swift denial, though the Echo also confirm that McCarthy's representatives are keen to open talks over a new deal.

He certainly deserves to be rewarded after two excellent seasons on Merseyside and the club should be wary of not stalling for too long.

However, it remains unlikely that McCarthy will leave this summer and yesterday's offending rumour should serve as a warning to supporters out there about the perils and lies of the summer transfer window.