James McCarthy has been linked with a move away from Everton in January, and it's clear to see why.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder doesn't appear to be flavour of the month with Ronald Koeman.
McCarthy was linked with a transfer during the summer window, and the Everton manager did little to play down suggestions he would on the move next month.
"I don't know. I did not speak with James about his situation," Koeman said at a recent press conference when asked if McCarthy would be leaving Goodison Park.
McCarthy has started Everton's last two games, after returning from an injury that kept him out of Ireland's win over Austria last month, but will reportedly be the subject of two bids next month.
Here's the options on offer for him:
Celtic
The Scottish champions are interested in signing McCarthy, according to
The Daily Record.
Celtic would reportedly face a struggle to match the wages on offer in the Premier League, and the mooted £15m transfer fee. While it could be argued that McCarthy wouldn't exactly be a necessity for the club.
Brendan Rodgers' side are currently 11-points clear at the top of the league, and are out of European competition. While McCarthy's a good player, and would improve the squad, they don't exactly need him.
McCarthy is a Celtic fan, and was recently at their Scottish League Cup final victory over Aberdeen. If he moved north of the border, it would be a popular signing for fans of the club.
McCarthy was on-trial at Celtic when he a youngster, but didn't make the grade and signed instead for Hamilton Academical.
https://twitter.com/MrCeltic67/status/790649094188437504
West Brom
West Brom are set to bid £15m for McCarthy in January, according to
The Daily Mail.
Tony Pulis wants a central-midfielder, and has reportedly identified McCarthy and Morgan Schneiderlin as potential signings.
Ironically, Everton are understood to want Manchester United midfielder Schneiderlin, who has been frozen out at Old Trafford. His move to Goodison Park could open the door for McCarthy to join West Brom.
If McCarthy were to join West Brom, he would play regularly in a Premier League team and might even develop more bite to his game under the no-nonsense Pulis.
However, he'd have to watch the ball sail over his head quite a bit, as West Brom tend to play direct.
There's nothing wrong with such a style, but McCarthy is used to playing a passing game, and would arguably prefer a team who look to play through midfield.
Crystal Palace and Newcastle United were also reportedly interested in the player last August, and it remains to be seen as to whether they will renew their pursuit of the 26-year-old.
Everton
McCarthy's final transfer option is to stay put.
He signed a five-year deal in 2015, and has started Everton's last two-games.
However, at this stage of his career he needs regular football, and with Koeman looking to overhaul his squad, and never appearing convinced by the Glaswegian, it could be time for McCarthy to move on.
What's certain is that this will be the key decision of his career.
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