James McCarthy wants to depart Everton according to reports.

The Daily Mail claim that the Ireland midfielder is in search of regular first-team football and has spoken to club officials about the matter.

Competition for places has increased in central midfield at Goodison Park with Idrissa Gueye and Gareth Barry leading the queue under Ronald Koeman at the start of the season.

Glasgow-born McCarthy has been linked with a loan move to Celtic with the added carrot of Champions League group stage football.

The 25-year-old supported the Scottish champions as a child.