Stoke City have reportedly made a play for Everton's James McCarthy.

The Daily Mail suggests that Potters boss Mark Hughes has enquired about the midfielder as he seeks summer reinforcements in the centre of the pitch.

Stoke are already linked with a £12million move for Juventus' Mario Lemina but Hughes is keeping his options open in case he cannot get a deal done for the Gabon international.

It is understood that the Stoke manager asked the Toffees if they would be willing to sell 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international McCarthy, following news that Ronald Koeman is in pursuit of such players as Axel Witsel, Kevin Strootman and William Carvalho.

McCarthy is unsure if he fits in Koeman's plans at Goodison Park and his future on Merseyside could become clouded if the Toffees are able to land one of the aforementioned midfielders.