Transfer Centre

Owen Coyle: 'Wigan Athletic don't need to sell James McCarthy'

By Michael Penkman, ReporterPublished: 06 August 2013 8:12 PM

Owen Coyle says that he does not have to sell any Wigan Athletic players and is instead looking to strengthen his team before the end of the transfer window.

Wigan Athletic boss Owen Coyle has said that he is looking to strengthen his team rather than sell key players before the end of the transfer window.

Speculation regarding the future of Irish international James McCarthy continues to grow, but Coyle insists that he is under no pressure to sell the 22-year-old midfielder.

"We know that rival clubs are more than aware of the quality we have at this football club," Coyle told Wigan Today. "All I can do as a manager is prepare them for the games and concentrate on that. It was difficult for James in the summer, his head was all over the place.

"I've said to James that if a Champions League club comes in for him - and he's that good he can play for anyone in that top six - I won't stand in his way. But we don't have to sell anybody.

"We are always looking to plan ahead. And I am looking to add to the squad, not dismantle it. We're chasing one very good player as we speak. Whether we're able to get him in remains to be seen, but I'm certainly not finished adding to the quality we have here."

Everton, now under former Latics boss Roberto Martinez, are believed to be among those interested in McCarthy.