Celtic have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy and the Scottish champions are confident of completing a deal for the Irishman, according to a report from 90min.

Palace are apparently looking to revamp their squad this summer and are considering letting a few players leave in order to raise funds and bring down the average age of Roy Hodgson’s squad, and McCarthy, despite only joining last summer, could be allowed to leave.

Aston Villa, Leeds United, Newcastle United and West Ham United have all been linked with moves for the 29-year-old too, so Palace might be able to start somewhat of a bidding war if they do allow his agent to look for a possible transfer.

Read Crystal Palace Verdict

Palace paid £8m to sign McCarthy from Everton last summer and 90min think they’re looking to get most, if not all, of that amount back if they do let the Irishman leave this summer.

Central midfield is an area where Palace do have a few options but like McCarthy, the other players in the squad are ageing too so cashing in on him and investing in a younger player makes a lot of sense.

If possible, Palace would likely want to sell McCarthy to Celtic and not to a rival club in the top-flight.