Report: West Bromwich Albion want Everton midfielder James McCarthy

West Bromwich Albion have reportedly targeted Everton midfielder James McCarthy as a direct replacement for departed skipper Darren Fletcher.

The Baggies were unable to keep hold of the experienced Scotland international, who will swap The Hawthorns for Stoke City as a free agent on July 1.

Albion have already been linked with a number of midfield options, including Hull City ace Tom Huddlestone, but The Mirror reports that McCarthy tops their wishlist.

Everton are understood to be willing to offload the 26-year-old for a fee of between £15m and £20m, despite chairman Bill Kenwright urging boss Ronald Koeman to keep him in place.

Recently-promoted Newcastle United are also rumoured to have shown an interest in McCarthy, but no offer has yet been tabled by either side.