Transfer Centre

Everton 'leading race for Manchester United midfielder James Garner'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 31 August 2022

Everton 'leading race for Man United's James Garner'

Everton are reportedly expected to win the race to sign Manchester United midfielder James Garner before the end of the summer transfer window.

Everton are reportedly regarded as the frontrunners to sign Manchester United midfielder James Garner.

The academy graduate is currently back at Old Trafford after playing a leading role in Nottingham Forest's promotion campaign from the Championship.

Given the level of the England Under-21 international's performances, it had been expected that Erik ten Hag would keep him in his first-team squad at Old Trafford.

However, rather than hand Garner game time in cup competitions, the decision has been made to cash in on the prospect before Thursday's deadline.

As expected, the 21-year-old is not short of admirers in the Premier League with Leicester City said to be monitoring the situation.

Nottingham Forest's James Garner pictured on January 22, 2022 © Reuters

Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Everton are confident about winning the race for the Englishman over the next 36 hours.

Romano says that the Toffees board have already negotiated a deal with their United counterparts, said to be somewhere in the region of £15m.

Everton will now attempt to agree personal terms with Garner, who was born five miles from Goodison Park in Birkenhead.

Whether that holds any sway with his decision remains to be seen, but Garner will want to join a club where he is likely to earn regular first-team football.

Everton boss Frank Lampard on August 13, 2022 © Reuters

While Frank Lampard may be prepared to provide that, Alex Iwobi and £33m summer arrival Amadou Onana are currently striking an effective partnership in the centre of the pitch.

With Tom Davies and the injured Abdoulaye Doucoure also competing for a first-team role, Garner may have to bide his time for action should he opt to move back to Merseyside.

He has featured for just nine minutes in the Premier League, his two appearances coming during the closing minutes of games at Crystal Palace and Norwich City in 2019.

In his 18 months with Forest, Garner chipped in eight goals and 10 assists from 69 appearances in all competitions.