Everton basically getting a £25m new signing with James McCarthy recovery

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Everton look set to welcome James McCarthy back to first-team action this weekend after 10 months out with a double leg fracture. The Irishman suffered a horror leg break during an accidental collision with then-West Brom striker Salomon Rondon which left the big Venezuelan in tears.

It has been a tough year for the 27-year-old, but Everton fans will be pleased to have him back.

It is perhaps easy to forget just how impressive a player McCarthy has been for Everton in the past. Especially under the guidance of Roberto Martinez, he showed incredible form for the Toffees. There was a period of time when his all-action midfield displays always warranted a man-of-the-match award.

In fact, plenty of other teams thought so. He was heavily linked with both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in the summer of 2014 and winter of 2015, with Everton reportedly wanting £25 million for his services.

Such a fee put teams off but it was fair given his form at the time.

Unfortunately, injury started to impact his game and he was never properly utilised by Ronald Koeman during the Dutchman’s spell at the club. Just as he was getting back to form and fitness last season, he suffered the leg break.

If Everton can keep McCarthy fit and get him back to pre-Koeman form, then they practically have a new £25 million central midfielder in their midst.