Everton midfielder James Garner has been linked with a move away from the Merseyside club in recent weeks.
Manchester United and Newcastle United are interested in signing James Garner, but a report from TeamTalk has revealed that Everton are optimistic of securing an agreement with the 24-year-old.
Garner has been an important player for Everton, and they simply cannot afford to lose someone like him. They will need to keep their best players if they want to build a team capable of competing in the top half regularly.
Everton have been fighting the relegation battle in recent seasons. However, they have shown signs of progress under David Moyes. They will look to establish themselves as a top-half team now, and they need to keep their best players.
Losing Garner would be a huge blow for them. He has done quite well for Everton, and it is no surprise that Manchester United and Newcastle are keen on him. Both teams need more defensive cover and physicality in the middle of the park, and the 24-year-old could be ideal for them.
It will be interesting to see if the midfielder is willing to turn down the opportunity to join clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle in order to sign a new deal with Everton. It would be a major boost for Everton if they managed to do so.
Everton keen on Hayden Hackney
Meanwhile, Everton are looking to add more quality in midfield, and they have identified Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough as a target. He was one of the best players in the Championship last season, and signing him would be a masterstroke.
Everton need more control in the middle of the park, and Hackney would be ideal for them.
It remains to be seen whether they can keep their best players and improve the team further in the coming windows. There is no doubt that they have the bones of a very good squad, and a few intelligent additions could take them to a whole new level.
