According to the Athletic, Everton and Manchester United are in discussions regarding a move for midfielder James Garner.
Given that Dele Alli is anticipated to go for Besiktas on loan, Frank Lampard urgently needs reinforcements. However, Garner, who thrived while on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, has a lot of suitors.
The English midfielder had 41 appearances in the Championship and helped Nottingham Forest in gaining promotion in the playoffs. He played as a defensive midfielder for Steve Cooper’s team.
The 21-year-old, who has been told he can leave Old Trafford, is also sought after by Tottenham, Leicester, and Southampton. Whether Leicester can unload any players before the September 1 deadline will determine how interested they are in signing Garner.
However, Everton now appears to be in the lead after increasing their interest in the player. Garner, who had some preseason time to impress Erik ten Hag, is expected to cost around £14 million. But the introduction of Casemiro has further pushed the 21-year-old down the pecking order.
In the losses against Brentford and Brighton, he sat on the bench. But he was left off the team that played Liverpool. Additionally, Ten Hag has now decided to open up Garner’s transfer options.
The midfielder recently stated that he was not willing to accept a supporting role at United. Garner is eager to play regular games after enjoying a period of first-team action during his time at Forest.
Everton would benefit from getting Garner. He scored four goals and recorded 10 assists for Forest during their promotion-winning campaign last year. He would be a valuable asset for Lampard in a competitive season ahead.
