Everton manager Roberto Martinez has identified Wigan midfielder James McCarthy as a potential replacement for Marouane Fellaini, according to the Daily Express.
The Belgian has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park for the best part of the summer, with reports suggesting Arsenal and Manchester United are both willing to meet the midfielder’s £23.5million release clause.
Martinez is preparing to use that money to make a move for McCarthy, who excelled at Wigan under Martinez last season.
Tottenham have also shown an interest in the 22-year-old, but have proved reluctant to meet Wigan’s £20million asking price.
Martinez, who has already raided his old club three times this summer by signing forward Arouna Kone, defender Antonio Alcaraz and goalkeeper Joel Robles, reckons the Latics would accept closer to £15million for the attacking midfielder.
A step forward in the Fellaini saga is expected to happen shortly, with Moyes aware the clause in his contract expires within the next couple of weeks.
After that time, Everton would be unlikely to demand such a big fee for the midfielder.
Martinez is adamant McCarthy would be an excellent signing as he looks to implement a new style of football at Goodison Park.
“I don’t want to be a team that can only play in one way and to do that you need to experiment and try things in pre-season,” he said.
“This is about making ourselves a bit more expansive in terms of how we play and that is going to be a real strength for us.”
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