McCarthy keen to quit Everton

Cape Town - Everton face an uphill battle to keep hold of James McCarthy with Spurs interested in signing the Irish midfielder.

McCarthy is reportedly interested in quitting the Goodison Park club after failing to secure a new contract, reports the Mirror.

The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international has been linked with a move to play for manager Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur.

McCarthy joined Everton from Wigan on a five-year deal in 2013 but has not been offered an improved contract like other key players in Roberto Martinez's squad. 

The talented midfielder has reportedly decided to move on as a result.

The McCarthy issue comes at a bad time for Martinez with Chelsea not giving their chase to sign highly-rated defender John Stones.

Martinez continues to rule out the sale of either player but speculation continues that both players will not be in Merseyside for the start of the season.