Everton boss Roberto Martinez is tightlipped on their pursuit of Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy.

The midfielder is being linked with Everton as a replacement for Manchester United target Marouane Fellaini.

On McCarthy, he said: "I've had conversations but not in a formal way. I don't want to be disrespectful. He is a Wigan player and I won't speak publicly about something.

"But it's an open secret that I am a big admirer of him."

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