Crystal Palace have not been all that active in the transfer market ahead of the 2019-20 season, having signed just Stephen Henderson on a free transfer.
The Eagles have a lot of money to spend, after selling Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United for £45 million, while there have been rumours that Wilfried Zaha could leave the club as well.
Palace could make their first signing soon as they have placed a bid for Ireland midfielder James McCarthy who currently plays for Everton.
Sky Sports have reported that the Premier League side have made a bid of £8 million for McCarthy, who had signed for the Toffees in 2013 for £13 million.
McCarthy made just two appearances last season for Everton after missing out for a large part of the 2018-19 season due to a broken leg which he suffered in January 2018.
The midfielder has now recovered from the injury, but will find it difficult to return to the Everton starting lineup as Toffees manager Marco Silva has several options in midfield.
Idrissa Gueye, Morgan Schneiderlin, André Gomes, Fabian Delph, and Tom Davies are all ahead of him in the pecking order at Everton, currently.
Is McCarthy a good option for Crystal Palace?
McCarthy could be a good signing for Roy Hodgson and Crystal Palace, if he is fit and cleared to play once again following his nasty injury. McCarthy has vast Premier League experience, having played over 200 games in the league for Everton and Wigan Athletic.
The Republic of Ireland international is a tenacious midfielder, who can tackle, block, and press the opposition constantly, while also being a useful player in the attacking third with his energy and drive.
While he may not score too many goals, McCarthy links the midfield and attack well with his box-to-box playing style, while also providing the protection for the defence.
Palace currently have Luka Milivojevic, Cheikhou Kouyaté, and James McArthur as options in midfield, but will need more players if they are to compete for a top 10 spot in the league next season.
McCarthy has experience and the work-rate to be a very good player for Roy Hodgson. He has to move away from Everton to get playing time as he is way below the pecking order at Goodison Park.