Toffees desperate to keep Arsenal & United target.Everton manager Roberto Martinez has ruled out the prospect of selling in-demand midfielder James McCarthy anytime soon, amid strong interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
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The Republic of Ireland international has impressed greatly at Goodison Park since joining the club from Wigan Athletic, where he first shone under Martinez.
The 23-year-old now looks like one of the most accomplished central midfield players in the Premier League, and is attracting growing interest from top clubs, with Arsenal and United believed to be the main contenders for his signature.
Arsenal are particularly in need of signings in the middle of the park due to some unconvincing form from the likes of Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Jack Wilshere so far this season, while United are also ready to continue pursuing players in that position despite signing big names such as Ander Herrera and Daley Blind this summer.
With another of Louis van Gaal’s top targets, AS Roma star Kevin Strootman, supposedly valued at a staggering £60m, it may be that McCarthy will prove a more realistic target in the transfer market, though Everton are also ready to play hardball in an attempt to keep him at Goodison Park.
Speaking about interest in his star player, Martinez said: “I’m a big fan of his. The interest doesn’t surprise me and all the admiration from outside is welcome.
“James’ future is at Everton and he has many things to achieve with us.”