James McCarthy

Newcastle reported to be preparing a bid, Burnley also keen. West Brom, Sheffield Utd and Celtic as well but presumably he'll be tempted by the best offer and that's likely to come from one of the first two mentioned.He's said to be on £50k a week at present with Crystal Palace.

He won't cost much in terms of transfer fees. Those clubs can offer him a longer contract than the 18 months he currently has at Palace. All apart from Celtic can afford the wages if they decide he is the man they want. Celtic probably just hoping they can get him on the cheap if he wants to go home to his family in Castlemilk.

Wes_Wanderers wrote: The real question is why would we be so sure Crystal Palace will part with him? He was a mainstay until the time out after his father's passing so it is not a sure thing Hodgson would let him leave.

Re his contract, I think it expires at the end of June, which would give him less than six months left on it. Not 100% sure on that but it would explain the noise on the grapevine. Steve Bruce is a long time admirer who tried to sign him two or three times before, Sean Dyche I think likewise. Allardyce rates him very highly, as does Lennon though Celtic's interest predates him. We can probably rule out Sheffield Utd given their current position.

Edited by Green Cockade - 11 Jan 2021 at 12:03pm

He hasn't made the impact in his career I would have hoped but he's a player that you won't notice him when he's playing but really miss him when he isn't! A bit like Harps legend Gareth Harkin!