Everton to make improved bid for McCarthy

Everton are ready to make an improved bid for Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy, according to the Daily Star.

The Toffees have seen two bids for the Republic of Ireland international rebuffed by Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, who is holding out for a fee of £20m.

However, Roberto Martinez is hoping that his former employer will settle for a fee closer to £15m, as he looks to continue his recruitment of further Latics players.

The Spaniard has already secured the services of Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz, whilst he has also brought in goalkeeper Joel Robles, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the DW Stadium.

McCarthy has made over 100 Premier League appearances in four years with Wigan, and was one of their stand-out performers in their triumphant FA Cup campaign last season.

Nonetheless the Glasgow born star, who has also drawn interest from Liverpool, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, was unable to help the club avoid relegation to the Championship.