Chelsea have identified Everton midfielder, James McCarthy as a potential backup in case deals for Radja Nainggolan and N’Golo Kante falls through.
According to the Daily Mail, McCarthy is one of several players on the Blues’ shortlist, with Everton also thought to be keen on second choice goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic.
The former Stoke man could leave this summer in the search of regular first-team football in the Premier League.
McCarthy, who has impressed for Everton since following former manager, Roberto Martinez from Wigan, has been a player Chelsea have monitored for some time, he has previously been subject to interest from the Blues.
The Republic of Ireland international would be more of a Premier League proven option, rather than AS Roma’s Nainggolan and Kante, who impressed massively for Leicester in what was his first season in the Premier League.
Chelsea failed with several bids for Everton’s John Stones during the summer and that could come back to haunt them if they try to pursue McCarthy this summer.
