Crystal Palace transfer news: James McCarthy signs but Wilfried Zaha continues to push for exit

Midfielder arrives from Everton in deal that does not impact on the Toffees’ interest in wantaway forard Zaha

Crystal Palace have signed James McCarthy from Everton on a permanent deal.

The 28-year-old midfielder becomes the fifth new arrival at Selhurst Park over the summer.

Palace boss Roy Hodgson said: "I'm really pleased we've been able to bring James to the club because he's a player I've admired for a very long time.

"He's a player with a vast amount of Premier League experience, given his six and four years playing for Everton and Wigan respectively, and will be an excellent addition to our midfield."

The Republic of Ireland international has more than 370 league appearances to his name across spells with Hamilton Academical, Wigan Athletic and Everton, and Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed his relief in finally securing McCarthy’s signature after previously attempting to sign him.

"James is a player we’ve almost managed to sign a couple of times, so I’m delighted that Roy has helped persuade him to join us on this occasion,” Parrish said.

“He’s suffered some setbacks with injury in recent years, and I genuinely believe Palace is a great place for him to restart his career – and am confident his all-action displays will make him a hit with the Palace fans.”

The deal does not impact on Everton’s interest in Wilfried Zaha, though the Palace winger’s transfer request on Wednesday appears to push him closer towards a deadline day Selhurst Park exit.

The Toffees remain active in the transfer window heading into the final day of the summer window, having faced competition from Arsenal for the 26-year-old Ivory Coast international, but they retain hope of agreeing a deal to sign the former Manchester United player before the 5pm deadline.

Zaha is pushing for a Crystal Palace exit (Getty) (Getty Images)

The Merseyside club also saw a £30m offer for Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi rejected on Wednesday as a Plan B option for Zaha, while United defender Chris Smalling rejected a potential loan move to Goodison Park.

Reuters