Palace close in on McCarthy

Crystal Palace are closing in on an £8.5 million deal to sign James McCarthy from Everton, according to Sky Sports.

They have apparently had one bid rejected already, but the difference in the respective stances of the two clubs was only about the structure of the fee, rather than its size. On the other hand, Palace have also rejected Everton’s bid for winger Wilfried Zaha, who is looking increasingly likely to remain at Selhurst Park when the window closes despite making his intention to leave very clear some time ago.

Nonetheless, McCarthy’s potential move to London is a completely separate piece of business, and it is believed the two sides may reach an agreement before the transfer deadline. Palace have already completed the signing of Gary Cahill from Chelsea, and they’re also looking to make another addition in the form of Real Betis midfielder Victor Camarasa, who is also of interest to Burnley.