Transfer Centre

Owen Coyle confirms Everton's James McCarthy talks

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 31 August 2013

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has held talks with Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelen about the possibility of signing midfielder James McCarthy, Latics boss Owen Coyle reveals.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has held talks with Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan about the possibility of signing midfielder James McCarthy, Latics boss Owen Coyle has revealed.

However, Coyle insists that the Toffees have yet to make a bid for the 22-year-old, who played 127 games under Martinez before the Spaniard moved to Goodison Park in May.

Coyle told BBC Sport: "The truth of the matter is Roberto had a chat with the chairman, no offers made, no figures. And then Roberto had a chat with the chief executive - again without any offers made.

"All I would say that if there is any offer for James McCarthy - regardless of who makes it, because there was another enquiry from elsewhere - then it will need to be at the right level. I totally understand why Roberto is a huge admirer of him and he's waxed lyrical about him in the last three years.

"My hope is that if and when an offer comes in, it will reflect James McCarthy's value. At Wigan Athletic we don't have to sell anybody, whatever we do we will do the best for Wigan Athletic."

McCarthy has three years remaining on his current contract at Wigan.