White Hart Lane side set to open bidding for DW Stadium youngster.
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Tottenham are reportedly leading the race to sign Wigan Athletic youngster James McCarthy according to the Sunday Times.
Andre Villas-Boas is said to be a big admirer of the 22 year old Republic of Ireland international, perhaps seeing the Latics battler as a natural replacement for Scott Parker, who is said to be set for a White Hart Lane exit this summer.
Having suffered relegation to the Championship and seen boss Roberto Martinez flee to Everton there is perhaps a very real chance that chairman Dave Whelan will have his work cut out keeping the nucleus of his FA Cup winning side together and with that in mind a £20m price tag has been slapped on McCarthy.
It is extremely unlikely that Tottenham would fork out such a fee but there is every chance that any offer in excess of half that valuation would be accepted, especially if the former Hamilton Academicals man were to make a transfer request.
McCarthy has impressed during his four seasons at the DW Stadium and the midfielder would certainly be tempted by a move to the North London club, especially knowing that Villas-Boas is a manager well known for trusting to youth.