Mail: Martinez warns McCarthy suitors

Arsenal and Liverpool face a long wait to land top transfer target James McCarthy after Roberto Martinez insisted Wigan will not cash in on their most prized asset.

Liverpool have revived their interest in the Scotland midfielder, after having him on trial at Anfield as a 15-year-old, while Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also been monitoring his form this season.

Martinez is in no doubt the 22-year old is destined for a top-four club but still warned his growing list of admirers it will not happen for at least another two years.

'He is already a very mature player and person, and when you consider his age, it's quite scary to think what he can achieve,' said the Wigan manager.

'It's rare for a player so young to have such composure on the ball, but there is even more to come. He has another two steps to go to fulfil his potential, and I can guarantee he will do that.

'It won't be difficult hanging on to him, because he is in the perfect place at the moment, and he knows that. He will fight to win titles and play in the Champions' League, and when he does, we will all be very proud here. But it will only happen when it is right for him and us, and that will be a few years down the line.'

Source: Daily Mail