Everton deny McCarthy-Tosun-plus-cash offer for Crystal Palace's Zaha

Everton have denied trying to use Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy in their attempts to sign Wilfried Zaha.

It was claimed yesterday that the Toffees had offered Crystal Palace £55m plus 28-year-old McCarthy and Cenk Tosun for the Ivory Coast winger's services.

Palace have reportedly already rejected a cash-only bid of £52m for Zaha and in a statement today, the Merseysiders have claimed reports of the second offer are false.

"Everton Football Club categorically denies that a bid has been submitted to Crystal Palace for Wilfried Zaha that included an increased sum plus Cenk Tosun and James McCarthy," said the club in a statement.

"Everton and Crystal Palace have a very good relationship. A bid was made over the weekend which was turned down.

"Both clubs agreed that was the end of the matter."