Can Tom Cleverley’s career be salvaged within Everton ranks?

Cleverley’s season-long loan spell at Villa Park, which was the fourth temporary stint away from his demanding parent club, began roughly under Paul Lambert, but as the arrival of Tim Sherwood saw the Villans’ position in the top-flight table gradually appear more respectable, so too did the midfielder’s form.

As well as the ongoing encouragement from confident coach Sherwood, the club’s newly revitalised competition for places saw Cleverley thrive and he soon repaid faith shown in him by his new mentor with more admirable showings, which lacked in recent campaigns.

Villa will be keen to secure his services on a permanent basis (13/8 to join), but the midfielder’s heart seems to be set on a switch to Goodison Park, with Roberto Martinez’s Toffees currently in negotiations to complete a free transfer this summer.

Within the Everton ranks, Cleverley could again begin to recapture his revitalised form on a more regular basis, having shown glimpses of his better self in the West Midlands, and another stern contest for midfield places should benefit his talents and drive.

Republic of Ireland international anchorman James McCarthy is now a mainstay of Everton’s central area, while Gareth Barry has earned the right as his midfield partner this term, but the re-emergence of Cleverley’s former teammate Darron Gibson and continued reliance on Ross Barkley will mean a starting place is no easy feat.

The rejuvenated Englishman would also be reunited with his former Wigan Athletic boss Martinez, where the pair worked successfully together for the 2010/11 campaign to steer the Latics clear of relegation. Cleverley was a stand out performer; striking the decisive goal in a 2-1 triumph over Wolves which saw the club climb out of the danger zone, and eventually secure their top-flight status, adding to his impressive three league strikes and two assists.

After gaining invaluable experience at Old Trafford, and repairing his reputation at Villa Park, could a move to the blue half of Merseyside see Cleverley finally prove his midfield credentials?

Those underlying talents have only so far been scratched, with Tottenham (12/1) and West Ham United (16/1) possibly also tempted by his services, but a switch to Everton looks an exciting prospect for both parties involved.