​Everton have rejected a £16m bid from Championship side Newcastle United for midfielder James McCarthy, according to the ​Daily Mail.





Rafa Benitez's side are keen to bolster their promotion bid and build a squad fit for a potential Premier League campaign next season, and have identified McCarthy as a quality signing who could help lift the Magpies into the top flight.





Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has told Newcastle McCarthy is not for sale.

Arriving on Merseyside in a deal worth £13m from Wigan Athletic, McCarthy has made 123 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees, scoring five goals. The Ireland international has struggled with injuries this term, making just eight Premier League appearances, and could struggle for further game time with increased competition in midfield areas.





Morgan Schneiderlin arrived from Manchester United earlier this month, while the impending return of Muhamed Besic from long-term injury will also increase the difficulty of McCarthy securing a regular place in Ronald Koeman's side. Idrissa Gueye will also hope to reclaim his midfield spot when he returns from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Newcastle already have the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden available in midfield but a potential deal for McCarthy could help reaffirm United's Championship title bid.





Newcastle had been heavily tipped to bounce back from relegation from the Premier League last year with promotion as champions this season, but are currently two points behind leaders Brighton and Hove Albion.





McCarthy's Everton are currently seventh in the Premier League, nine points behind fourth place Liverpool.

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