Everton boss Ronald Koeman has appeared to play down speculation suggesting that Newcastle linked midfielder James McCarthy will be leaving Goodison Park this summer.
After being criticized for his fitness by Koeman last season and also after being left out of the Everton squad that competed in the teams’ final pre-season friendly, McCarthy had been speculated to part ways with the Toffees, with a move to Newcastle on the cards.
Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is an admirer of McCarthy and is said to be interested in recruiting him in order to bolster his side ahead of the new season.
However when addressing the reasons why McCarthy was left out of the Toffees final pre-season match, Koeman suggested that it was for fitness reasons.
He said, “Both [McCarthy and Lennon] were not fit. I don’t know about Lennon moving – I haven’t heard anything. He’s not fit. When he was fit he was in the squad. James still has some issues on his knee so out of protection I left him out.”
