James McCarthy sticking with Toffees
The Republic of Ireland international had being linked with a move to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in recent months, but has instead agreed a new improved deal with the Toffees.
The 24-year-old, who followed manager Roberto Martinez to the club in September 2013, has made 76 appearances, scoring three goals in the process for the Blues, and spoke of his delight at finally putting pen to paper on a new deal.
“I’m buzzing and delighted really to be committing my future long-term to Everton,” McCarthy said.
“I’ve loved every minute I’ve been here, with the fans having made me feel so welcome from day one, as well as the players and staff.
“This is a brilliant club with a brilliant fanbase and what we want to try to do is bring some success here and push forward.
“The gaffer is trying to build a team and a squad for the long-term and I’m excited to be a part of that and to be a part of this team.
“We’re all looking forward to giving it a good go again this season and, for me, it’s a terrific challenge.”
Martinez was quick to express his happiness with the news and believes that McCarthy is committing his “best years” to Everton.
“When you are trying to shape a squad, the new faces are always important, but it’s vital to be able to build also on the continuity of top performers at the club and James represents that,” said the Spaniard.
“That vital element of continuity in the squad is a great boost for the club, with James committing to a new long-term contract.
“He has gone from strength to strength since his arrival here and he’s still a young man whom we want to see grow and continue to help the team to achieve success.
“At the age of 24, he’s already contributed immensely towards the team these past two seasons and the fact the best years of his career lie ahead of him is something that is tremendously exciting for the team and for the fans.”
— Everton (@Everton) August 6, 2015
Martinez however has hit out Chelsea captain John Terry following his remarks about his side’s pursuit of Everton defender John Stones.
The former England international admitted to Sky Sports his desire to see the highly rated 21-year-old join the Stamford Bridge club this summer.
The Merseysiders have twice rejected the advances of Jose Mourinho’s side and speaking to reporters at the clubs Finch Farm complex yesterday, the Toffees boss claimed Terry’s comments were “wrong” and even “illegal”.
“That was wrong (Terry’s comments) — you know that is illegal, the rules doesn’t allow you to comment on players that are registered at other clubs in that open manner, that is disappointing,” said Martinez.
“We have a fantastic relationship between the two clubs, in the past we made our biggest investment in Chelsea (signing Romelu Lukaku).
“We all know there are rules and regulations and it is something we don’t want to see when other clubs speak about your players. It is wrong and it shouldn’t happen.”
The former Wigan boss, who revealed Everton are still looking to sign two attackers and a centre-half before the transfer window shuts, said the Toffees are under no pressure to sell one of their most talented footballers.
“What you can control is your own finances at the football club and we are not a football club that has to sell to balance the books,” he said.
“If you think we need to sell John Stones to balance the books — that is not the case. He is not for sale, we have said that many times, he is not for sale.
“I am not stupid enough to say I know what will happen, or that I have a crystal ball but I have always said John Stones is not for sale.
“We have had one or two bids for a player who in my eyes for someone who potentially can be the best centre-half England have produced, and we have not accepted it, there is no deal on the table so move on.”
- Sunderland have announced the signing of France international Yann M’Vila on a season-long loan from Rubin Kazan.
Twenty-five-year-old M’Vila is the fifth summer signing by manager Dick Advocaat and is available to face Leicester this weekend.
“I’m very happy to be a Sunderland player. I had a very good feeling training with the team,” M’Vila said.
“Every player welcomed me and the feeling was very good with them so I’m excited for the start of the season.”
M’Vila has been capped 22 times by France and spent last season on loan with Inter Milan, having started his career with Rennes.
He follows Jeremain Lens, Younes Kaboul, Sebastian Coates and Adam Matthews into the Stadium of Light.
