Hull City are set to beat Everton in race to sign Irish gem

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Everton have been making plans for the fast-approaching January transfer window.

The Toffees are about to be taken over by the Friedkin Group, ending Farhad Moshiri’s eight-and-a-half-year reign at the club.

Everton could get a cash injection in January as they fight to survive in the Premier League ahead of their move from Goodison Park to Bramley Docks.

Sean Dyche’s men currently reside in 14th place, five points clear of 18th-placed Ipswich Town, who have played a game more.

Goals have been the issue so far this season so a striker is certainly on the transfer agenda. Everton have been eyeing Brazil forward Igor Jesus.

They’ve also been keeping tabs on an Irish centre-back, though, it looks as though Hull City have won the race for his signature.

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Hull set to beat Everton in race to sign Cathal McCarthy

According to the Irish Mirror, Hull City are set to win the race to sign UCD’s centre-back Cathal McCarthy.

The supremely talented 18-year-old is being watched by a number of clubs across England, including Everton.

However, Hull chief Emyr Humphries put forward a convincing pitch to McCarthy which has swayed his thinking towards Humberside.

Fulham, Derby County, Norwich City and Millwall were also keen to sign the teenager but will now have to look at other targets this January.

Hull plan to loan back McCarthy for the season so he can complete his Leaving Certificate next summer.

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Everton could now turn to Juma Bah

Everton are clearly in the market for a central defender to bolster Dyche’s ranks.

Last week, we reported that The Toffees were showing an interest in Real Valladolid’s defender Juma Bah, who is also being watched by Manchester City.

Like McCarthy, Bah is just 18-years-old and is still making his way in the game, so it seems Everton are purposefully looking to recruit a future star, rather than to make an immediate impact.

Everton appear to be planning for the future.

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