Everton Transfer News: £12.5m Fee Agreed For James McCarthy

MailOnline, the Belgian midfielder is ready to hand in a transfer request to force through a deadline day move to Manchester, and Everton will be faced with a massive hole in the middle of their midfield if that goes through. The Mail say that they are already making a move to bolster their midfield, whether that outgoing deal happens or not, as they have agreed a fee with Wigan for James McCarthy, and are currently locked in talks as to how the money is paid to the Championship club. That deal would be worth £12.5million, after two lower bids were rejected, and McCarthy would join up with former manager Roberto Martinez, if the terms of payment can be hammered out. According to the report, Everton want to pay in smaller installments, but Wigan want a chunk of the money upfront. According to The Telegraph, the Toffees opening offer came in to Wigan on Friday and was rejected and followed up with an improved bid of around £12 million, which Whelan rejected yesterday. But now it seems the clubs are closer on their valuations, and the next steps can be made to move the player to Merseyside. Scottish side Hamilton would also be set for a windfall, as they included a 20% sell-on fee for any transfer when they sold the midfielder to Wigan in 2010. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has also rejected what he calls an "insulting" £2.5 million bid from Premier League newcomers Crystal Palace for winger Callum McManaman,