Strange ‘statement’ from Everton’s majority shareholder COULD be good news for James McCarthy

Embarrassing if it's true, but fans are doubting the authenticity of the 'statement'.

Everton were pipped to the signing of Moussa Sissoko by Tottenham Hotspur late on transfer deadline day. Both clubs matched Newcastle United's £30m valuation, but the French midfielder decided to take his talents to London. Had Sissoko opted for Everton, James McCarthy was in-line to leave the club, with Crystal Palace understood to be interested in signing the Republic of Ireland midfielder on a season-long loan deal. McCarthy's first-team chances appear to be limited at Goodison Park this season. The 25-year-old played the opening game of the season at right wing-back, and was substituted in the first-half of Everton's win over West Brom. Idrissa Gana Gueye and Gareth Barry were understood to be Ronald Koeman's preferred central midfield choices. Now that Sissoko has signed for Spurs, McCarthy may get first-team chances, but it doesn't bode well for his future at the club that they appeared to be actively trying to replace him. However, according to this 'statement' from Everton's owner, sourced by Sky Sports News presenter Jim White, the club pulled out of the deal to sign Sissoko because they didn't want to "jeopardise" McCarthy's place in the squad. https://twitter.com/JimWhite/status/771310450340265984 The 'statement' reads:

"Sissoko is a great player. But when I bought into Everton, I made it clear I was proud to join a family. And we don't turn our backs on our own. Keeping James McCarthy was a priority and ultimately we could not proceed with a deal that would jeopardize his place at Everton. We wish Sissoko the best."

Such an excuse, after actively chasing another player, is embarrassing. Or it would be if it Farhad Moshiri, the club's majority shareholder, actually made the statement. Twitter users, Everton fans and the Liverpool Echo's Everton editor doubted the authenticity of the statement, wondering why the club's majority shareholder would go through a television presenter to get a message across. Or why would he write it in iPhone notes? Or how was it written within two minutes of White tweeting it? Or just why would he make such a baffling statement in the first place? If something's too good to be true, it usually is. https://twitter.com/GregOK/status/771333005252190208 https://twitter.com/Simon_Mag/status/771344013769248768 https://twitter.com/Toffeegirl13/status/771341440878252032 https://twitter.com/TweetGyorgi/status/771326391870631937 https://twitter.com/DuckyMomo65/status/771320754373816320 https://twitter.com/ITrader123/status/771320715412905984 https://twitter.com/SophieG45028765/status/771320419467071488 https://twitter.com/EvertonBlueArmy/status/771313803384483840 https://twitter.com/TheEFCForum/status/771356746447196160 https://twitter.com/SamInk92/status/771312054875467784 The new GAA Hour football podcast is out. Listen to Colm Parkinson, Barry Cahill, and Senan Connell dissect a classic between Dublin and Kerry. Subscribe here on iTunes.