James McCarthy could be forced to quit Everton after the club failed to keep their promise of an improved contract.

The 24-year old midfielder was believed to have been given assurances of a better deal if he continued to develop and produce consistent performances at Goodison Park.

But a report in the Daily Mail suggests that those promises have been broken, leaving McCarthy with a difficult decision on his hands.

The former Wigan Athletic young gun is contracted with the Toffees until the summer of 2018 and although he is believed to be extremely happy without being offered an improved contract, has not yet asked for a transfer.

Arsenal have previously showed interest in Scotland-born McCarthy who has 26 caps for the Republic of Ireland.