Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce reportedly wants to bring Everton midfielder James McCarthy to St James’ Park this summer.

According to a report from The Sun, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce wants the Magpies to make a £5 million bid for Everton midfielder James McCarthy as he looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park this summer.

Newcastle are looking to make up for lost time during the final weeks of the window. Joelinton has been signed for a club-record fee, and Bruce appears to be hoping to follow his arrival with a move for the Republic of Ireland international.

The Sun reports that the Toffees are hoping to offload the 28-year-old before the transfer deadline passes as he enters the final year of his contract at Goodison Park. The report notes that Crystal Palace are also keen on the former Wigan Athletic man.

It is not clear what Everton want for McCarthy, but Bruce is reportedly planning to make a £5 million bid. At that price, it would arguably be a low-risk move from Newcastle, but they are looking at a player who has played one competitive game in the last 18 months.

McCarthy barely featured for Marco Silva’s men last term despite recovering from the horrific leg break that he suffered in a challenge with former Newcastle loanee Salomon Rondon. So he will leave Merseyside with something of a point to prove.

But McCarthy has made well over 200 appearances in the Premier League, and could still have some of his better years ahead of him – depending on how well he has recovered from his injury – so a £5 million deal could be a great move for all parties if Everton are willing to accept Newcastle’s seemingly-imminent bid.

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