Manchester United are reportedly among a host of clubs sizing up a move for Everton’s James Garner.
Should United ever facilitate a deal for the midfielder, they’d be bringing him back to the club that he dedicated 13 years of his career to at both youth and senior level.
James Garner’s United tenure: How it played out
Indeed, Garner accumulated seven first-team appearances for the Red Devils after being granted his debut by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in February 2019, being just 17 years old at the time he made his first-team bow.
Stark competition in the middle of the park, combined with Garner’s lack of experience in the top flight, led to him being sent on loan; initially to Watford in 2020, before he spent a season-and-a-half with Nottingham Forest.
Garner’s spell in 2021/2022 saw him play an integral role in the side earning promotion to the Premier League in 2022 following a 20-year wait for the Midlands outfit.
Then, in September of that year, he departed the City Ground (and Old Trafford) for Goodison Park in a £15 million switch – comprising of £9m upfront and £6m in add-ons – from United.
He put pen to paper on a four-year deal on Merseyside, meaning he is now, technically, in the final eight months of his contract with the Toffees.
Garner attracting widespread transfer interest
It’s expected he will renew his terms as things stand, but that won’t deter suitors from gauging the feasibility of signing him.
According to United in Focus, INEOS chiefs are quietly contemplating whether they could negotiate a homecoming for the Carrington graduate, who’s left them thoroughly impressed with his performances for Everton.
Several clubs are keeping a close eye on his situation. However, it’s ‘highly unlikely’ he becomes a free agent next summer, with ‘talks progressing’ over an extension with the Blues.
