“I feel part of the family…”

The media are obsessed with selling our players to the so-called “big clubs”… Seamus Coleman to Arsenal, Ross Barkley to Manchester City. They never stop and now that they have both recently signed new long-term contracts they have moved on to James McCarthy. However the midfielder insists that he feels settled at Everton and can’t wait to rise to the challenge of extra competition for midfield positions this season.

The Republic of Ireland international told the Liverpool Echo that he “feels like part of the family at Goodison” effectively suppressing speculation that he is interested in a move to Manchester United just one year after signing in a £13m move from Wigan following Roberto Martinez.

In an article for the London Evening Standard, journalist Mihir Bose revealed that McCarthy almost joined Tottenham last summer but they failed to meet the asking price of Dave Whelan and also reported that McCarthy is “flattered” to be linked to United.

But following a much needed and deserved rest he is now solely focused on being ready to build on his remarkable debut campaign as an Everton player which quickly seen him become a fans favourite.

“It’s been a good break. I’ve had a long holiday and now I’m back and ready to go. I’m looking forward to getting the season started.

“I was ready for it. It was a long time coming to be honest because before last season I only had a couple of weeks off and then I was straight back into it. I had the big move too and there was a lot of pressure on.

“But the fans have been brilliant with me since day one. It wasn’t easy coming to a big club like this and trying to adapt but at least I knew the style of play.

“The size of the club though meant there was always going to be pressure, but I’ve settled in and everyone made me feel so welcome. I’m enjoying life here. I feel part of the family. It’s a real family club and it’s great to be involved in. It’s been a year since I came but it feels a lot longer than that.”