Report: James McCarthy West Bromwich Albion's 'top target'

Everton midfielder James McCarthy is reportedly the "number one target" for West Bromwich Albion in the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old, who has been at Goodison Park for three years, was pursued by Baggies manager Tony Pulis over the summer but both parties failed to agree on a fee.

According to the Daily Mail, Pulis is ready to return for the Ireland international with a bid of £15m when the window opens next month.

Pulis is also said to have considered Manchester United's Morgan Schneiderlin, but the Frenchman is more likely to move to Goodison as McCarthy's replacement.

Albion's Premier League rivals Crystal Palace were also credited with an interest in McCarthy over the summer.