According to the Daily Mail, West Ham United are considering launching a bid to sign out-of-favour Everton midfielder James McCarthy on loan this January.

What’s the word?

After a number of injury lay-offs, McCarthy is now back to full fitness. However, he is not back in the Everton team. The 28-year-old has not featured at all for Marco Silva’s side this season. It now appears, if the midfielder is to get back to playing the regular football he needs, he must seek an exit from Goodison Park as soon as possible.

West Ham may not be able to offer him the week in, week out game time he needs either. At best, McCarthy would probably just be a bench option at the London Stadium.

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A loan move down to Championship level though would give McCarthy the chance to be a regular starter again. Impressing in the second tier regularly could earn the 41-cap Ireland international a permanent switch to another top flight side in the summer. 

Aston Villa should make a bold move to bring McCarthy to the Championship on a temporary basis until then.

Revitalising his career

The Villans have been revitalised somewhat under the management of new boss Dean Smith, but he lacks depth in the middle of the park. McCarthy would bring Premier League experience and an injection of quality to Villa Park. His arrival could help the Midlands outfit sustain their bid for a play-off place.

If he can keep fit and impress in the Championship, then a switch to Villa could revitalise his career.