Newcastle United are ready to open the bidding on Everton's £20million-rated midfielder James McCarthy.

Leicester, Sunderland and Crystal Palace have also expressed strong interest in the Republic of Ireland international though have yet to bid.

McCarthy was left out of the squad on Saturday that beat Stoke after talks with Everton on Friday.

James McCarthy last played for Everton in the EFL Cup victory over Yeovil last week

Everton manager Ronald Koeman wants a replacement in before he can agree to letting the 25-year-old go while Everton will want close to £20m for a player that cost them £13m from Wigan in 2013.

Leicester have made a £20million offer for Steven N'Zonzi at Sevilla but face competition from Juventus and have McCarthy as another option.

Everton, meanwhile, have held further talks over a £25m deal for Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini.

Sevilla's Steven Nzonzi is a target of of Leicester who have made an offer of £20million

The Italian side have yet to agree a fee with Everton and have discussed a possible swap deal for Gabbiadini with Fiorentina's Nikola Kalinic.

Gabbiadini was left on the bench as Napoli beat AC Milan 4-2 on Saturday in Serie A.

He started in Napoli's first league game of the season, which they drew 2-2 with Pescara.