Newcastle United are ready to launch a bid for Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy.

The Independent says Newcastle want to sign McCarthy ahead of competition from Everton.

Wigan want around £20m for the 22-year-old McCarthy. That is out of both Everton and Newcastle's budget, but both clubs believe he can be signed for significantly less.

McCarthy is also said to be open to the possibility of moving to St James' Park following Wigan's relegation to the Championship.