Will a loan move for Everton man be just the tonic for West Ham?

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With a handful of key attacking players currently in the treatment room, it’s a real possibility that West Ham could soon see their personnel stretched over the busy Christmas period.

Playmakers Dimitri Payet, Victor Moses and Manuel Lanzini are all currently out injured alongside striker Diafra Sakho, as the London club continue to struggle without them, netting just three goals in their last six games.

And while most of that quartet could be back by the end of January, Hammers fans may be hoping that Slaven Bilic dips his toes into the transfer market in the New Year.

However, Jack Sullivan, son of Irons chairman David, put paid to any idea that the London club would be splashing the cash over the winter when asked on Twitter.

So then, it seems if the London outfit are to add any bodies to their armoury it is likely to be on a low-cost deal or in a loan capacity.

One man they could possibly seek out the latter option may be Everton’s Steven Naismith.

The Scot looked set to join Norwich over the summer, but a deal fell through and now it seems like the former Rangers man is preparing for the possibility that he will soon have to consider his options.

The 29-year-old made nine appearances for the Toffees in the early part of the season, including netting a perfect hat-trick from the bench in a 3-1 victory over Chelsea in September.

However, he has failed to make a first team appearance since October 17, and is beginning to look surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.

“I’ll speak to the manager and see where we’re at but I am just focused on the Christmas run, there are so many games and it might be the chance I need,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“My family are settled here and they all love it here so it will be tough if that time comes [to leave] but you never know what will happen.

“I have learnt in football that things can change in an instant.

“It’s tough, very tough because you’re not getting the chance to go out there and make a statement about getting back into the team.”

Should the busy period allow him a chance in the team, be it alongside, or at the expense of the on-fire Romelu Lukaku, Naismith could be set to extend his stay on Merseyside, but if he continues to be left out in the cold things could still change.

And with the Hammers down to the bare bones already, and a number of the fit attacking options fairly injury prone, it could be that short-term spell in the capital could be beneficial for both parties.

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