Report: With Sunderland missing out, Newcastle could sign Premier League midfielder

After turning down the chance to play for Sunderland, it is said that Newcastle and Crystal Palace are both considering a late raid for Everton’s James McCarthy – as reported by the Daily Mail.

Sunderland had been reported to have been keen on luring the player to the Stadium of Light, however he apparently was not keen on a move to the struggling club.

He has struggled for first team action this season and his prospects of gaining regular game time were further dashed by the arrival of Morgan Schneiderlin earlier this month.

Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce is set to be given resources to bolster his squad to fight relegation and McCarthy could be on the radar. He will certainly be provided with game time.

While a move to Newcastle will be a drop in standard, McCarthy will almost definitely gain regular playing time there and with the team riding very high in first place in the Championship, they are very likely to be back in the Premier League next season.