Everton rejected £15m Newcastle bid for James McCarthy
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has revealed that he rejected a £15m bid from Newcastle United according to the Independent.
McCarthy had been linked for the last few weeks with a move to the North East but Koeman has revealed that he has seen the benefits of a fit James McCarthy recently and sees him very much as part of the team.
“I see him having a long term future here because I think he is a really good player and those players we need for the future of Everton,” said Koeman of McCarthy.
“We need competition in the midfield and that is what I mentioned to the board of the club.
“There is no possibility for one of the midfielders to go – yes for Darron Gibson, because there was too much competition for him, but not for James.
“My attitude hasn’t changed towards him. If what happened with all the injuries and all the call ups for Ireland I will do the same.
“Of course, he’s really on a good fitness level and that makes James a better player than I saw in the beginning.
“At the beginning he was not fit, he had his problems with his hamstring. I am really pleased with his quality and how he is involved in the team.”
Would you have sold McCarthy?
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