Jack Wilshere loan move may prevent James McCarthy from leaving Everton

The England midfielder faces a choice today - does he want to leave Arsenal for a loan deal with Crustal Palace or Bournemouth?

This is surely not how Jack Wilshere envisaged 2016/17 going when he was packing his bags for Euro 2016. Back then, in early June, he had made Roy Hodgson's final squad despite missing 95% of Arsenal's season due to ongoing injury issues. Euro 2016 was forgettable and regrettable for Wilshere and England. Now, it appears as if Arsene Wenger will let him go out on loan for the new season. The midfielder has been given the solemn nod by Wenger and his agent has been testing the waters. Arsenal do not want to sell him, just yet, so a season-long loan looks the most likely option. Reports in England state Crystal Palace and Bournemouth have both made firm offers and the choice now lies with the player. There was talk of West Ham but nothing firm has materialised. Yet. Palace appear to be the frontrunners but there is another player Alan Pardew is looking at - James McCarthy. The 25-year-old, who rebounded well to finish Euro 2016 as a vital member of the Irish midfield, has found himself shunted out of position by new Everton boss Ronald Koeman. McCarthy's representatives are said to have held talks with Everton officials last Friday about his future. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/769595455474982913 Despite interest from Newcastle United and Celtic, Palace appeared to be McCarthy's likely destination. That move would be thrown into major doubt should Wilshere and Palace link up. The transfer window closes later tonight. McCarthy looks set to sit out this evening's friendly with Oman, at the Aviva Stadium, so he could yet be permitted to travel back to England to conclude any dealings. The new GAA Hour football podcast is here. Listen to Colm Parkinson, Senan Connell, and Barry Cahill dissect a classic between Dublin and Kerry. Subscribe here on iTunes.