West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Everton star McCarthy.
West Ham United need depth in the middle of the park and have been linked with a move for Everton’s injury-plagued star James McCarthy – and he is exactly what they need.
The Daily Mail claim West Ham are looking to land the 28-year-old on loan until the end of the season, as the 43-time Ireland international has finally recovered from a double-leg break which he suffered last season.
The former Wigan Athletic and Hamilton midfielder has had little luck with injuries, managing just six appearances for the Toffees in the last two seasons. He has clocked up just 132 appearances in five years since joining Everton for £13million (Mail).
McCarthy has finally returned to fitness once again and West Ham are keen to lure him south to the London Stadium, but face competition from Fulham and Championship side West Bromwich Albion.
The Hammers are seemingly after a steely midfielder this month, with the club also being linked to Manuel Pellegrini’s fellow countryman Gary Medel, who currently plays for Turkish side Besiktas.
But McCarthy is exactly what West Ham need. The club sold Cheikhou Kouyate to Crystal Palace in the summer, and remain without Carlos Sanchez who suffered a long-term injury just weeks after joining the club.
Ahead of the second half of the season, the Hammers are lacking in depth in the middle of the park with Jack Wilshere and Manu Lanzini also injured. It has seen Pellegrini take a risk on free agent Samir Nasri.
Signing a player such as McCarthy, who is willing to do the ugly side of the game and boasts plenty of Premier League experience, is just what Pellegrini needs ahead of the second half of the season.
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