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Stoke City have made enquiries about Everton midfielder James McCarthy say the Daily Mail.

Manager Mark Hughes wants another central midfielder to add energy to his side and has been discussing a £12million move for Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina, who is also wanted by Watford and Red Bull Leipzig.

However, Hughes has also checked on whether Republic of Ireland international McCarthy – a £13million buy from Wigan Athletic in 2013 - would be allowed to leave Goodison Park.

Ronald Koeman is pushing to sign Axel Witsel from Zenit St Petersburg while the report declares that Roma's Kevin Strootman and Sporting;s William Carvalho have also been discussed.

McCarthy played through Euro 2016 with a groin injury and struggled for form after a hamstring injury at Everton last season but is still regarded as one of the Blues most talented squad members.

The 25-year-old was the subject of interest from Tottenham last summer before Bill Kenwright offered him a new contract and has yet to return to Everton training so he is unaware of whether he fits into Koeman's plans.