Ireland midfielder could be Raheem Sterling’s newest team-mate at Manchester City

Roberto Martinez will want some serious cash for him

Fabian Delph won himself a few more admirers at the weekend when he rejected a deal to move from Aston Villa to Manchester City.

The England midfielder decided he’d prefer to stay and continue his improvement than take the plunge with the former Premier league champions.

The rejection of the move means that City are now once again looking at further ‘home-grown’ options to bolster their squad, and have identified an Ireland midfielder as perfect for their plans for next season.

According to The Express the club are looking to table a bid for Everton’s James McCarthy, and are hoping to fend off interest from Tottenham for the Scotland-born player.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has repeatedly said the former Wigan man is not for sale, but the club could be tested with a bid over upwards of £20million.

McCarthy enjoyed a productive season for the Toffees last term, but has had some injury problems, which have made City wary of paying over the odds for the player.

McCarthy would also help improve the number of ‘home-grown players’ in the dressing room at the Ethiad after the departures this season of Frank Lampard, James Milner and Micah Richards.

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