Celtic lead the race to snag Premier League star from Everton

Brendan Rodgers may have been on the opposite side of the Merseyside Derby to Everton man James McCarthy, but the pair could be set to unite today with the Glaswegian just 66/44 to swap Goodison Park for Parkhead.

The tricky midfielder was a regular fixture under Roberto Martinez last season, featuring in 27 of the Toffees’ Premier League outings.

However, with new boss Ronald Koeman having snapped up Idrissa Gueye and Yannick Bolasie this month, a regular first-team spot is looking unlikely for the former Wigan Athletic man.

That’s left the 25-year-old open to a move, and a return to the Ladbrokes Premiership with Celtic could prove too tempting to resist – especially with a spot in the Champions League group stage awaiting the Hoops.

Having begun his career at Hamilton Academical, where he played 110 times and won the Scottish First Division (current Ladbrokes Championship), he would also be sure to slot seamlessly into football north of the border.

And the talented young Hoops squad could benefit hugely from the experience of a player who played in all four of Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 games.

With Transfermarkt.co.uk estimating his price tag at £14.45m, McCarthy would certainly be a marquee signing at Celtic Park, but having already brought in the likes of Scott Sinclair and Kolo Toure, it seems Rodgers has the budget to bring in some huge names. And reports suggest he could even be available to the former Liverpool boss in the form of a loan move.

Celtic host Rangers next weekend, with 4/6 for the Hoops to secure a memorable win over their Old Firm rivals.

But will the Hoops have another marquee name in their line up by the time Derby Day rolls around?

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing