4 Feb 2013

Liverpool still chasing chasing Wigan star James McCarthy

Ex-Wigan winger Kevin Kilbane claims that Liverpool are monitoring Latics midfielder James McCarthy, a player the Reds have coveted for many years.

The Ireland International has been regularly linked with a move to to Anfield, a club where he underwent a trial at the age of 15, and in an interview with the Daily Mail over the weekend, Kilbane confirmed that the Reds are still following the 22-year old. He said:

"His [McCarthy's] excellent performances at the heart of Wigan’s midfield, and comfortable step-up to international football, have caught the attention of Manchester United, Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool for the last two windows".

Liverpool tried to sign McCarthy three times in the past. In 2007, whilst still at Hamilton Academicals, the BBC reported that McCarthy turned down the chance to work under Rafa Benitez. Explaining the youngster's decision, his Agent, Bill McMurdo explained:

"Liverpool wanted to take him to Italy for a tournament. They agreed to meet Hamilton's asking price, but he has decided that he wants to stay with Hamilton for another year. I can't fault his judgement. He has only just left school and is from a close family"

Then, in 2010, McCarthy chose Wigan over the Reds, a decision that pleased Roberto Martinez, who enthused:

"I have always been a big admirer of James and I followed his career for a long time. That meant I was delighted when he made that rather strange decision not to go to a top, top club like Liverpool. I think that decision is being proved right now.”

Liverpool were again in talks to sign McCarthy in 2011, and at that time, a source close to the talks said:

"It [the transfer deal] is 90 per cent done, all sides now seem to accept it is going to happen and it's a matter of everyone trying to get the best deal"

Speculation over the €10m-rated midfielder arose again during the January 2013 transfer window, and when asked recently about interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, Wigan boss Roberto Martinez conceded that 'we'll never stop him from leaving', adding:

"We always feel pleased with compliments towards our players, but James is still developing. One day he will be challenging to win titles and to be in the highest position in the game, there is no two ways about it. The last thing he needs now is to be distracted from his good work and the way he is developing."

McCarthy grabbed two goals in Wigan's 2-2 draw with QPR in December, and after the game, his team-mate James McArthur was full of praise for the midfielder. He told Wigan's official site:

"James was brilliant all game. He was head and shoulders above everyone. He did it a couple of seasons ago against Blackburn Rovers when he got two goals and he was just as outstanding then. James’ performances have been consistently good this season and he keeps on improving"

Worth a bid in the summer?





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16 comments:

  1. mcarthys born and raised in glasgow but is a full irish international player,i think he made his debut against brazil in feb 2010

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  2. James McCarthy is an Irish international....Come on Ireland! Bit concerning considering you are Scottish :)

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  3. I think he is a Rep Of Ireland international

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  4. ps  sorry for being a bitch

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  5. Good player, but not sure we need yet another central midfielder.

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  6. Yeah, I wrote Scotland instead of Ireland as the fact he's Scottish was in my head at the time. 

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  7. Be careful in talking about Wigan player. 

    Whelan may call media conference in evening after reading your article to declare that Liverpool have planned a £35 million summer bid of for McCarthy.

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  8. I personally think this is who Dalglish should have bought instead of Henderson (who has been excellent lately).

    No point in buying him now, unless Allen/Hendo leave.

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  9. this guys average at best a 2 -3m player ...if we wanted a midfielder we should have got sissoko  for 1.8....

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  10. a very, very capable young player, who made the right decision when opting to play for eire.

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  11. all of newcastle signings were quality. catching good players who will have good chemistry (all french) towards the end of the their contracts and we should do the same. keisuke honda will be a free agent in the summer and if we want an champions league/world cup experienced proven player he is pretty much a no-brainer on a free transfer. thomas ince will be in the last year of his contract and after having a great season with blackpool should be available at around 5m (plus 35% off). mcCarthy would be a good signing but it would depend massively on the fee. i think 6m would be a bargain for him but thats the most they should pay as we dont need another player like hendo. sakho or ogbonna should be consider as a centre back signing and with a 10m offer for reina, begovic should be signed immediately. hes a keeper with incredible reflexes and doesnt make silly mistakes like reina. marcos rojas should also be signed at 300k is a major coup for a very talented player in the form of his life. raheem sterling and suso should both have loans to premier league clubs to help them get games as first team places should no longer be available for the inexperienced duo now there is competition in the team. andy carrol will be sold for around 15m-18m and this money should be used to sign leandro damaio from internacional (likely at least 5m will need to be added to that.)
    Begovic- £10m (reina money)
    Thomas Ince- £3.5m (5m with 35% off)
    James McCarthy- £6m (only for this price, if not forget it)
    Sakho- £7m (already a leader and international, very quick too)
    Marcos Rojas- £300k (speedy winger with good technical ability, bargain)
    Keuisuke Honda- Free (absolute magician, incredible signing)
    Leandro Damaio- £22m (top striker, andy carroll money and 5m on top)

    this will represent a summer of good business with around £49million (28m will be from outgoing transfers as well) being spent on both up and coming players with huge potential and ability and experienced players. sterling and suso are likely to come back stronger players with games and extra experience and will really beef up our squad the season after. wigan good place for them to develop

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  12. He is much better than downing but i think he is will waste time at LFC. Creative but scare to dribble the ball.Please get Christian Erikson

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  13. Actually he doesn't improve the starting XI.  If we want bench strength,  would rather opt for promoting Coady.  Actually, instead of Allen, we should have given more playing time to Shahin, a far better CM.

    We still need a CB, a LB & a powerful DM (Sissoko for 1.8mn!!!!!!!!) for the starting XI & then bench strength for forward line before going for additional CMs.    

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  14. Nice to see a player who thinks about his career progression rather than the big club move. I don't think we should buy him, there are better options for us. 

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  15. From the clip...i see a Joe Allen..in blck jersey.

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