Wigan Athletic boss Owen Coyle is reluctant to sell James McCarthy.

The midfielder has been linked with Everton and Tottenham.

"I've talked to James McCarthy here about how patient Gary was and he went on to become a Champions League player," Coyle told the Daily Telegraph.

"It was difficult for James in the summer. Everyone James met said, 'Which club are you going to?'

"He's a fantastic player and a fantastic human being. His head was all over the place.

"I've said to James that if a Champions League club comes in for him - and he's that good he can play for anyone in that top six - I won't stand in his way.

"I don't want to dismantle the squad but equally there's a moral obligation to do right by the kid. He's been fantastic for Wigan. But we don't have to sell anybody."