The free transfer of Tom Cleverley to Everton appears to have unsettled Blues midfielder James McCarthy, who is believed to be angling for a move away from the club.
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According to the Mirror, McCarthy reacted badly when he learned how much Cleverley—who snubbed Aston Villa to move to Goodison Park when his United contract came to an end [via Daily Mail]—is earning on Merseyside.
It is believed that the England international is earning twice as much as McCarthy per week, when his £1 million signing-on fee is considered in the equation.
The tabloid report that while Irish international McCarthy has not handed in an official transfer request, he has made it clear to the Toffees hierarchy that he is looking to quit the club this summer.
This is not the first report of the midfielder being unhappy with his lot at the club since leaving Wigan Athletic to move to Everton with Roberto Martinez two years ago.
McCarthy believes that his £35,000-per-week wage does not reflect his current status and value to the team, but talks about an improvement on his deal have not been forthcoming.
The Mirror report that Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for the player, and may see the 24-year-old’s latest admission of discontent as something of a come-and-get-me plea.
However, Spurs may face competition from the heavyweight quartet of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, all of whom are believed to be considering a switch for the midfielder, according to the Express.
The reports of unhappiness on McCarthy’s behalf come in contrast to the Irishman’s recent insistence that he was happy with his lot at Goodison.
As reported by the Express back in April, the midfielder said: “I have got time on my contract here. As it stands, I am tied down just now anyway. I am happy here. Nothing has changed from day one. I love it and I am still loving life.
“I am happy here. There is nothing to really report. Honest to God I have not heard anything. It is new to me if a club is going to come in and buy me in the summer. It’s new to me. I have not spoken to anyone. I have not heard anything.
“There have been a few stories, but I am delighted to be here and I have many years still to come.”
McCarthy featured 28 times for the Toffees in the Premier League last season, scoring twice and contributing one assist.