Tottenham are set to launch a bid for Everton midfielder James McCarthy.

The Mirror says Tottenham will open talks with Everton over McCarthy this week.

The Toffees are facing a second fight to keep one of their top players with Chelsea already determined to land defender John Stones.

Spurs are equally confident of prising McCarthy away despite boss Roberto Martinez's insistence that he, like Stones, is not leaving.

McCarthy is interested in a move to White Hart Lane after growing disillusioned at failed promises to improve his contract.