Should Everton consider swap deal with Tottenham over midfielder?

Tottenham have again been linked with a move for Everton midfielder James McCarthy and this time could use Aaron Lennon as makeweight in any deal.

Spurs have been long admirers of the Ireland international and were linked with him before he joined Everton from Wigan in 2013.

Rumours have emerged in recent months suggesting they are ready to launch a bid for 24-year-old, who is apparently unsettled at Goodison. McCarthy has yet to be offered a new improved deal by Roberto Martinez and it seems his agent has been putting pressure on Everton by linking his client with a move away.

Despite that McCarthy still has three years left on his existing contract so Everton, already unwilling sellers, could negotiate from a strong position.

They would want a significant profit on the £13million they paid Wigan in the summer of 2013 and it remains to be seen whether Tottenham would go that high.

However, following his successful loan spell during the second half of the season Aaron Lennon could be offered as part of the deal.

The former Leeds winger has already said he would be happy to return to Goodison, though Everton were initially put off by Tottenham's asking price of £6million

Lennon's arrival would certainly soften the blow of any McCarthy sale, especially if Everton also got a sizeable fee. However, I can help feeling Everton would be better off fighting to keep the midfielder at the club as he is by far the better prospect long-term.