According to The Daily Mail, West Ham are considering a move for Everton outcast James McCarthy as they look to plug gaps in an injury-hit midfield - clearly director of football Mario Husillos has not learnt from signing the stricken Jack Wilshere in the summer.

What's the word?

Well, The Daily Mail reports that Irishman McCarthy, who has lost his place in the Toffees starting XI to Andre Gomes following a tibia fracture, is subject to interest from the Hammers - the east London outfit are looking to get some reinforcements on the cheap after a summer spending spree in which they shelled out nearly £100m.

The 28-year-old is the latest name to be linked with a move to the London Stadium and accompanies the likes of Besiktas enforcer Gary Medel on the shortlist as Manuel Pellegrini and co look to strengthen a midfield decimated by injuries.

Jack Wilshere joins Carlos Sanchez, Manuel Lanzini and Ryan Fredericks - to name but a few - on the treatment table as the former Arsenal man struggles to shake the 'made-of-glass' reputation he garnered in his ten years at the Emirates.

Now ruled out until May, the 27-year-old is looking like a massive gaffe on Husillos' behalf, who threatens to repeat his mistake by signing McCarthy.

Far too fragile

Once upon a time, the Glasgow-born battler was a key player for Everton but has lost his stake in the team in recent years as the club takes big strides in their attempts to evolve the club.

Unfortunately, the number 16's body hasn't done him any favours as a string of setbacks, starting in the 2016/17 season, have meant that he has spent a whopping 636 days out of action - with such a track record, surely he cannot be relied upon to stay fit in the absence of a number of key players.

All that the Irons would be getting by signing McCarthy is another hospital-bound has-been on their books and they have plenty of those already. What do you think, West Ham fans? Do you agree that a move for the 41 cap international is unwise? Let us know by voting in the poll below...

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