James McCarthy could leave Everton and Leeds have to swoop

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Everton are reportedly considering whether to offload outcast James McCarthy this summer after another difficult season with injury, which saw him manage just two appearances – and Leeds have got to consider a swoop.

The Guardian claim Everton could look to move a number of midfielders on this summer, after completing the £22million move to sign Andre Gomes from Barcelona. McCarthy and Muhamed Besic could be in the firing line.

McCarthy’s injury problems began during the 2016-17 season, with hamstring trouble limiting him to just 13 games. After a long spell on the sidelines, the 28-year-old returned midway through the 2017-18 campaign.

But a double break, accidentally inflicted by Salomon Rondon, saw McCarthy miss the rest of 17-18 and then almost all of 2018-19. He managed just one league outing, coming on as a 14-minute substitute in April against Man United.

With just 12 months on his contract, Everton may be willing to offload the 41-time Ireland international for a bargain fee this summer. He joined The Toffees for £13million (Independent) in 2013 from Wigan Athletic.

But if Everton want cash rather than seeing McCarthy leave next summer for nothing, they must sell him in this window and that is likely to reduce his asking price. Leeds, meanwhile could be in need of a holding midfielder.

Kalvin Phillips is being strongly linked with a move to Aston Villa and rumours suggest that the Whites are struggling to agree terms on a new contract. A new number four could be required then.

If McCarthy can prove he can remain fit and is willing to take a pay cut on his £50,000-a-week deal (Spotrac) to get his career back on track at Elland Road, then Leeds should consider him if Phillips does indeed leave.