According to reports in the Liverpool Echo, Everton manager Sam Allardyce is weighing up whether to send out of favour winger Ademola Lookman out on loan before the January transfer window slams shut on Wednesday.

The Liverpool Echo says that while the Merseyside outfit are currently reluctant to sanction his exit, they have yet to make a decision on the 20-year-old's short-term future and the situation could change in the coming days.

The England U21 international has only made five starts for the Toffees this season despite enjoying a breakthrough spell earlier in the 2017 following his move from Charlton Athletic this time last year, and he will be frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities.

The attacker didn't even make the substitutes' bench for the 1-1 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion last weekend, which suggests he needs to move on – at least on a temporary basis until the end of the season – if his parent club will allow it.

Meanwhile, West Ham United have completed their first signing this month following the arrival of Joao Mario on loan from Inter Milan, but Irons boss David Moyes won't be finished there as he looks to ensure his side stay away from the Premier League relegation zone.

Strengthening his attack could be a priority in the next few days, and bringing Lookman to the London Stadium could prove to be a shrewd move.

Here are three reasons West Ham must make a shock loan move for the Everton wide-man…

They need an attacker

West Ham looked to be pretty well stocked in the attacking positions just a few weeks ago, but injuries to Michail Antonio – who is now back in training – Manuel Lanzini and the in-form Marko Arnautovic have now left them a little short.

They certainly look to need a boost in wide areas to give David Moyes some different options, and Lookman would solve the issue in the short-term as he is versatile and able to play on either flank or even as a second striker if required.

His qualities/potential

Everton signed the 20-year-old from Charlton this time last year having been impressed with his performances for the Addicks, and he has often shown the promise and potential he has in his locker when he has been on the pitch for the Toffees since then.

The England U21 international loves to dribble and attack opposition defenders – according to WhoScored.com, he has successfully completed 23 of the 35 take-ons he has attempted despite only playing 379 minutes of football in the English top flight and the Europa League this term.

The winger also showed how good he can be in front of goal when he scored on his Premier League debut against Manchester City in 2017, while he netted a fine brace against Apollon Limassol in Europe in December.

Point to prove

If Lookman is allowed to leave Everton this month, there is no doubt that he will have a big point to prove to his parent club and manager Sam Allardyce.

The 20-year-old will be determined to show that he should be involved more often than he has been in recent times, and a move to West Ham would allow him to prove that he can perform at this level on a consistent basis, and perhaps even earn himself a permanent move to the London Stadium if Allardyce decides he has no future on Merseyside.

Do you agree, Irons fans? Let us know below.