Everton have transfer agreement with Crystal Palace for James McCarthy

With the summer transfer window deadline quickly approaching, Everton are close to moving another squad player out of the building.

The Blues have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace over midfielder James McCarthy, with a transfer fee of £8 million decided upon for the Republic of Ireland international. The player is expected to be in London tomorrow for his medical and then will sign a three-year-deal.

The 28-year-old was already getting pushed to the fringes of the side two seasons ago when he sustained a horrific double-legbreak in January 2018 against Newcastle United. While he regained full fitness late last season, opportunities to impress Marco Silva were few and far between for the gritty player and this move will be for the best for him as he attempts to resuscitate his international career having already picked up 41 caps.

McCarthy was signed by Roberto Martinez six years ago from Wigan Athletic for £13m, making him the second most expensive player the Blues had ever signed at the time! His rock-solid pairing with Gareth Barry in that 2013-14 season propelled the Blues to fifth place in the Premier League with a haul of 72 points, heights the Blues haven’t hit since then.

The Irishman will leave the Blues having featured 133 times for the Toffees, scoring six times and picking up ten assists with this goal against Manchester United being one of the most memorable, coming as it did in a 3-0 whipping of David Moyes’ new side at Goodison Park.

Director of Football Marcel Brands continues to work feverishly to sell players with the clock ticking down as he attempts to get at least two to three more key players in - central defender and winger are on top of the list while Silva will not complain if another midfielder gets thrown in too.

We can only wish McCarthy the very best of luck in his future, and thank him for his loyal service to the Blues over the years.