James McCarthy on West Brom radar

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis has earmarked Everton's James McCarthy as his prime target for the January transfer window. The Republic of Ireland is no longer a regular at Goodison Park.

McCarthy, 26, was the subject of an approach from the Baggies in the summer, but unfortunately they could not agree a fee with their Merseyside counterparts.

According to The Mail, Pulis will return for the midfielder in the New Year as he bids to further strengthen his squad which has impressed this term.

McCarthy has earned just four league starts since the start of the campaign, and he is more likely to leave the Toffees, should the club succeed in the pursuit of Morgan Schneiderlin from Manchester United.

West Bromwich Albion will table a £15m sum for McCarthy as they seek to beat the likes of Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Celtic to his services.