Aston Villa should consider James McCarthy as potential Kalvin Phillips alternative

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Aston Villa were previously linked with a move for Republic of Ireland international James McCarthy. Now it seems the Everton midfielder will be available again this summer. 

The 41-cap Irish international has played just 20 times for Everton over the past three seasons because of various injury problems.  

As reported by The Telegraph, McCarthy is now ‘expected to leave’ Everton this summer. 

In January, Aston Villa were linked with a move for the midfield dynamo. As reported by the Daily Mail, Dean Smith’s side were looking into a loan deal for the 28-year-old. 

However, as reported by the Liverpool Echo, Everton pulled the plug on any potential loan exit. This was due to a lack of first-team options at Goodison Park.  

Now it seems McCarthy, who is fully recovered from a horror leg break in January 2018, is available again. 

So should Aston Villa make a move for McCarthy?

Clearly, Aston Villa’s main midfield target is Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips. However, as reported by The Sun, the West Yorkshire side wants £30 million for their star player. 

That fee could prove troublesome for Villa, despite their spending spree so far this summer. 

If that is the case, then McCarthy would be a perfectly viable and far cheaper alternative to the Leeds star this summer. 

It is certainly one for the club to keep in mind.