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Tottenham will open talks with Everton over midfielder James McCarthy this week.

The Toffees are facing a second fight to keep one of their top players with Chelsea already determined to land defender John Stones.

Spurs are equally confident of prising McCarthy away despite boss Roberto Martinez’s insistence that he, like Stones, is not leaving.

(Image: Getty)

McCarthy is interested in a move to White Hart Lane after growing disillusioned at failed promises to improve his contract.

The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international signed a five-year deal when he moved to Goodison Park from Wigan in 2013. But while other players have had their contracts revised, he has not.

Spurs have been keen offload their dead wood - including midfielders Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Benjamin Stambouli - before moving for more of boss Mauricio Pochettino’s targets.

The north Londoners have already signed defenders Kieran Trippier from Burnley, Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid and Kevin Wimmer from Cologne.

Midfielder Delli Alli was signed from the MK Dons back in January.