McCarthy set for showdown talks

23 July 2011 08:28
Young Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy is set for show down talks about his future with manager Roberto Martinez after Chelsea have expressed an interest. McCarthy was in sensational form last season for the Latics and played a big part in the clubs survival in the top flight. His form did not go un-noticed as a host of clubs were alerted to his talent. It was rumoured earlier in the summer that McCarthy was the subject of a £8 million bid from local neighbours Blackburn Rovers. The bid was rejected outright by the Latics who value McCarthy around the £16 million bracket, or that paid by Liverpool for Jordan Henderson. Chelsea are also said to be interested in the Republic of Ireland international but that interest has cooled since the appointment of Villas-Boas as their manager. Speaking about his star midfielder, Latics chairman Dave Whelan told Sky Sports that he hopes McCarthy will remain with the club for another season before achieving a truely great move. Whelan also tipped McCarthy to reach the top of world football as he said: "He is a fantastic talent, a great lad who trains fantastically well. We are in talks with his agent starting on Monday or Tuesday next week. "We will lose James eventually and he will go on to one of the top teams in Europe. He has a lot to learn under Roberto (Martinez) here and another season or two seasons here under Roberto and you are going to get a great player."

Source: FOOTYMAD