Everton are plotting a move for Manchester United youngster James Garner, who has been impressing on loan at Nottingham Forest.
According to Football Insider, Everton are ready to make an offer to Manchester United for midfielder James Garner, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest in the EFL Championship.
The central midfield may not seem like a priority area to strengthen for Everton in this transfer window given that Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan, Andre Gomes, Tom Davies and Fabian Delph are all options that look decent on paper. However, Rafael Benitez wants to explore opportunities to bring young, growing stars into his ranks.
They have already made plenty of movements so far in the window as Benitez looks to bring in options he can develop and work with for the future. Everton recently secured Nathan Patterson from Rangers on a permanent transfer to solve their issues at right-back, which indicates how the Spanish manager is thinking.
Despite spending heavily in recent years on established stars, Everton have got nowhere near the level that was expected. If anything, they have dropped down a few places below, considering their squad quality. And this term, they have been utterly disappointing after a positive start under Benitez.
As they look to strengthen their roster for the second half of the season, Everton have now expressed an interest in bringing in James Garner, who is under contract with Manchester United until 2024. Currently, the defensive midfielder is playing for Nottingham Forest on loan, although if a good offer comes in, the Old Trafford side could recall him.
Garner has been growing in stature after joining the EFL Championship outfit. He has made over 40 appearances for the Championship club and earned rave reviews for his performances in the process. Fellow second division side, Sheffield United, also explored the chance to sign him in the summer, but Garner remained at Forest.
As things stand, he may not have an immediate future at Manchester United given the plethora of midfielders ahead of him in the pecking order. If a reasonable offer comes in from Everton, the club might consider selling him to the Merseysiders. Benitez would like to acquire him at a decent fee and develop him into a quality starter at Goodison Park.
Garner, 20, has plenty of experience playing in the physical nature of the Championship, which should make it a bit easier to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League. Everton could be a good place to start his top-flight career. However, it remains to be seen if Manchester United are ready to part ways with the young prospect on a permanent basis.
