Wigan chairman Dave Whelan also revealed that the Latics have rejected a £2.5 million bid from Crystal Palace for winger Callum McManaman.
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Wigan Athletic have rejected a £10 million bid from Everton for midfielder James McCarthy and have also rejected Crystal Palace’s £2.5 million offer for Callum McManaman, BBC Sport reports.
Latics chairman Dave Whelan revealed that he had rejected the bids but seemed to suggest that the Toffees will be back with an improved bid for McCarthy before the transfer window closes.
“I hope James stays with us, but I’ve said I won’t stand in his way,” said Whelan of the 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international.
“We are waiting to see what happens at Everton, which is a difficult position to be in.”
McCarthy has been heavily linked with a move to Everton all summer and while Whelan hopes the midfielder stays at the DW Stadium, he fears manager Owen Coyle won’t have a lot of time to bring in a replacement if McCarthy does leave.
“We rejected the bid because it’s still not near the value we’d expect,” added Whelan.
“If we have to sell James then we will have to bring someone in and that’s not easy. I really hope he stays with us. Everyone seems to leave the business until the last minute.”
Whelan was more bullish about his chances of keeing McManaman, who won the man of the match award in Wigan’s triumphant FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May.
“Callum McManaman is not leaving Wigan,” added Whelan.
“He is a great talent with a bright future and we think we can develop him. He’s going nowhere.”