James McCarthy eager for Everton stay

Everton midfielder James McCarthy has insisted that he wants to spend his future at the club.

The Republic of Ireland international, 24, has been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United this season.

McCarthy scored his second goal of the campaign on Sunday during the Toffees' comfortable 3-0 win over United in the Premier League.

Despite suggestions that his future at Goodison Park is unclear, McCarthy is eager to remain with the Merseyside outfit.

"Honest to God, I have not heard [any transfer rumours]," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "It is news to me if a club is going to come in and buy me in the summer. I have not spoken to anyone. I have not heard anything.

"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 delighted to be here and I have many years still to come."

Everton return to Premier League action on Saturday when they make the trip to relegation-threatened Aston Villa.