David Moyes desire to bring in a central midfielder could lead to a shock move for free agent Owen Hargreaves.

The summer sales of Tim Cahill and Jack Rodwell left Everton light on numbers in the middle of the park, which has been compounded by the injury to Darron Gibson and Ross Barkley's short term loan to Sheffield Wednesday.

Moyes had targetted deadline day deals for either Steven N'Zonzi or Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe but the Frenchman joined Stoke and the talented Blegian's well documented transfer failed to be ratified by FIFA.

With the transfer window closed the Everton boss is looking to the free transfer market and has been linked with Thomas Hitzlsperger and now Hargreaves.

Moyes will realise it's not an ideal situation, but with Marouane Fellaini adopting a more advanced role the Blues would benefit from a defensively minded midfielder. Equally, the dismal performance of both Leon Osman and Phil Neville against Newcastle, will have confirmed to Moyes that his side cannot get by with just two senior midfielders.

So the sentiment is right, but is Hargreaves really worth a punt?

After all, this is the most injury prone player of a generation. Renowned knee surgeon Richard Steadman claimed the former England players knee was in the worst condition he had seen in his 35 year career.

But there is a big what if with Hargreaves. What if he stays fit? Manchester City and more recently Lille were both aware of the benefits a fully fit Owen Hargreaves could bring to their squads.

Strong in the tackle, good on the ball and like any good holding midfielder, superb in the transition from defence to attack. Yes, a fit Hargreaves would certainly be a good back up option to Everton's depleted midfield.

Understandably any deal is expected to be pay-as-you-play, with the former Bayern Munich player to pocket a £10 thousand a week basic salary. But even that will be a waste if he doesn't play.

Everton need numbers in midfield, even if just as cover. But those players need to be able to come in and play as and when required and Hargreaves does not provide that.

In an ideal world he would be a great signing for the Toffees. But it's not, so what's the point?