Manchester United are reportedly prepared to let promising midfielder James Garner leave on a permanent deal amid interest from Leeds and Everton.
According to The Athletic, Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for midfield prospect James Garner, setting the asking price for the midfielder in the region of £14 million. Several Premier League clubs, including Leeds United and Everton are interested in signing the 21-year-old.
James Garner joined Manchester United’s youth ranks in 2017 and made his debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Crystal Palace in February 2019. In total, he has appeared seven times for the first team. He enjoyed a successful loan stint at Nottingham Forest last season, featuring 44 times for the Tricky Trees.
Garner scored four goals and clocked up eight assists as they secured promotion back to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years. He has represented England at every youth level, from Under-17s to Under-21s and is regarded as one of the brightest young midfield prospects in the country.
His displays for Nottingham Forest were both impressive and eye-catching. Many fans tipped him to become a key part of the new era under Erik ten Hag and the solution to Manchester United’s deficiencies in midfield, especially after the long-drawn Frenkie de Jong transfer saga, while the duo of Fred and Scott McTominay has largely underwhelmed in recent times.
However, the England Under-21 international was rarely involved in the pre-season and was an unused substitute for Manchester United’s opening two Premier League games this term. However, in a surprise move, Garner has been made available for a permanent transfer away from Old Trafford, despite the dire state of their central midfield and his exploits at Nottingham Forest.
Garner is under contract at Manchester United until 2024. But the Red Devils are open to cutting the player loose if any interested party provides a suitable offer, setting a price tag of around £14 million, with Adrien Rabiot seemingly set to join the club for a fee in the same ballpark.
Needless to say, there is likely to be plenty of interest in Garner from Premier League clubs. Nottingham Forest have previously expressed interest in the midfielder. But they have sorted their midfield department by bringing in a cohort of players through the door, with another loan for Garner not an option, given Manchester United’s Dean Henderson has already occupied the single available loan slot.
Everton and Leeds United have also been credited with an interest in Garner. The Toffees showed a keen interest in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher earlier this summer. However, it would be a tricky deal to iron out for Everton. Garner could be an excellent alternative, given his similar attributes and age profile, although he lacks top-flight experience.
The 21-year-old is highly renowned for his immense passing range and accuracy, and with his defensive output and ability to score goals, he is an all-round package in the midfield. Garner is versatile enough to play anywhere in the middle of the park, suiting Jesse Marsch’s system at Elland Road. That said, both Everton and Leeds have already made a host of additions in the midfield area. So, game time could be a sticking point.
