Rafa Benitez admits he likes Everton's James McCarthy as a player but claims the midfielder is not high on his transfer wish list.

The Republic of Ireland international looks likely to leave Goodison Park this summer, having slipped down the pecking order under Ronald Koeman after some bad luck with injuries.

Everton are understood to be seeking around £20million for McCarthy, who has made over 100 appearances for the Blues following his £13million move from Wigan in 2013.

Leicester City are the latest club believed to be keen on signing the 26-year-old and Newcastle may end up missing out on a player with vast experience at Premier League level.

When asked about McCarthy, Benitez told the press: "He (McCarthy) is a good player but we now have a lot of them at this club. We have been linked with around 100 players but he is not our first target at the moment."