Manchester United midfielder James Garner is holding discussions with Everton over a potential summer move, reports The Athletic. The Englishman is no longer required at Old Trafford, having only made a couple of appearances in pre-season.
Everton in Talks to Sign James Garner
Everton are in discussions with Manchester United over a move for James Garner.
The 21-year-old has several Premier League suitors, with #SaintsFC, #LCFC and #THFC all admirers.#EFC | #MUFC
More from @Paddy_Boylandhttps://t.co/peG8EKdSXy
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) August 24, 2022
A Lot of Premier League Clubs Interested in Garner
The Toffees are currently looking to strengthen their midfield after a poor start to the new Premier League season. With Dele Alli expected to secure a move to Besiktas, Frank Lampard is short of options in the middle of the park and is urging his side to sign a hard-working player like Garner.
The Englishman is attracting a lot of interest from multiple Premier League sides after they realised that he is up for sale. Everton are set to face heavy competition for the 21-year-old, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Southampton all interested in him.
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But with Everton in active discussions with the midfielder, they’ve become the front-runners for his acquisition. Garner earned a lot of plaudits last season for his role in helping Nottingham Forest get promoted to the Premier League, making 41 Championship appearances, in which he scored four goals and provided eight assists.
🚨Everton are still interested in signing Manchester United midfielder James Garner on a permanent deal.
⚠️MANU wants 17 million euros for the 21-year-old player.🔴#MUFC 🔵 #EFC pic.twitter.com/0KrLeSgWbA
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) August 24, 2022
No Place for Garner in Erik ten Hag’s Squad
After his impressive work for Forest last season, there was anticipation that the English midfielder would cement a place in Erik ten Hag’s squad this season, but that is not the case. After being unable to impress the Dutch manager, the 21-year-old finds himself transfer-listed and reportedly available for as low as £14 million.
With the Red Devils having signed Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to strengthen their midfield, there seems to be no more space for Garner in the squad. With the midfielder eager for regular playing time, he is likely to leave rather than stick around and fight for his place at Old Trafford.
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The 21-year-old has a decent amount of experience for his age, with 97 senior appearances in his belt. Jose Mourinho is said to be a big fan of the midfielder and recently told a close confidant: ‘He is a player,’ with regards to Garner. United are probably taking a risk in selling him and will hope that if the sale goes through, it doesn’t come back to haunt them.
