Everton’s manager, Roberto Martínez, has said James McCarthy is not for sale at any price after Manchester City showed an interest in signing the Irish midfielder.
Tottenham were keen on McCarthy, 24, this summer but now face competition from City, who want to bolster their stock of homegrown players after being rebuffed in their attempt to sign Fabian Delph from Aston Villa.
Martínez said: “He’s not for sale. My responsibility is to bring competition into the squad and we have strong competition for places. We don’t want to lose that. We’re not in a position where we have to sell to balance the books and want to create a winning team.
“James McCarthy is a top performer. He has shown that over recent years. We know what he brings with young legs and good energy. He’s a vital part of our squad.”
McCarthy, a £13m signing from Wigan in 2013, was in action on Wednesday as Everton beat Stoke 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in Singapore’s Barclays Asia Trophy. Arsenal will be Everton’s opponents in Saturday night’s final after they thrashed a Singapore XI 4-0.
“It was a very interesting game,” Martínez said of his team’s match. “It was more than a pre-season game. Normally you’re looking to that physical aspect. On top of that it was really competitive. And to win the shootout was very pleasing. All in all a terrific exercise.
“Steven Pienaar had a knock in the first-half, but was able to carry on. It was always the plan to come off at half-time. McCarthy has a knock on the ankle. He over-extended it. But he carried on and came off more as a precaution than anything.”
The beaten Stoke manager, Mark Hughes, was also pleased with the run-out for his team in the testing humid conditions. He was even happier to confirm the signing of the winger Moha El Ouriachi from Barcelona after the 19-year-old turned down a contract to stay at the Camp Nou.
Hughes, a former Barça player, said: “He’s a young player we have high hopes for. We’ve seen his potential in the week and half been with us. He has pace, good technical ability, but he’s young and still learning the game. That’s why he’s come here. He hopes this is the pathway to a career in football.
“That’s the challenge for every young player now if they come to Stoke they can challenge and try to push their way through – sometimes good young players blocked at other clubs. He’s taken a chance but given his ability I am sure he will do well.”
