A number of Premier League clubs are being put off by Everton's £25m asking price for James McCarthy, according to The Mirror's transfer live blog.

What's the word?

Injuries have played a major role in the midfielder's decline at Goodison Park.

Last season, McCarthy started just seven Premier League games and came off the bench in a further five under manager Ronald Koeman.

It seems as though Everton are willing to offload the 26-year-old, but are after £25m.

The Mirror claims that Newcastle United, Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion are all interested in McCarthy, but they value him at around £15m.

The Republic of Ireland international signed for the Toffees from Wigan Athletic in 2013 for a £13m figure.

Should Everton lower the price tag?

Given that the Merseyside outfit are seemingly spending money like it's water, it would make sense for them to sell some of the deadwood.

It is worth noting that the club received a hefty sum - reported by The Metro as £75m - when they sold Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United.

However, they have still splashed in excess of £100m on six new arrivals, including Michael Keane and Wayne Rooney.

With the likes of Davy Klaassen, Morgan Schneiderlin, Idrissa Gueye and Tom Davies vying for places in the middle of the park, McCarthy could struggle for minutes.

From a business point of view, freeing up the wage bill by selling the midfielder makes sense, and given that he has three years left on his contract, Everton hold the cards in negotiations.

Although, if interested parties are not willing to meet the price, the Toffees should consider lowering the figure.

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