Manchester United are reportedly mulling over re-signing 24-year-old English utility man James Garner from Everton in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Daily Mail, James Garner is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are eager to bolster their first-team squad by signing a holding midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 24-year-old Everton utility man has emerged as a target for them. The Premier League giants are mulling over a possible return for their former academy star.
How has James Garner fared at Everton?
James Garner has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League since joining Everton from Manchester United in September 2022. Born in Birkenhead, the Englishman spent his formative years with Manchester United, joining the Premier League club’s fabled youth division in 2009 before spending over a decade in the academy.
While the 24-year-old was impressive in his limited outings for Manchester United, he could not establish a foothold in the first-team squad. Meanwhile, Garner made his mark in his loan spells with Watford and Nottingham Forest before Everton secured his services three years ago. He has made considerable progress in the last three seasons, becoming a mainstay in the middle of the park.
The English midfielder has also been a utility man for Everton due to his ability to play as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, and a full-back. Garner has made over 100 appearances thus far for Everton, chipping in with three goals and six assists. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Manchester United.
Old Trafford return on the horizon?
Manchester United’s interest in James Garner makes sense. The Red Devils are scouring the market for a holding midfielder, as Casemiro faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford. The veteran Brazilian midfielder has entered the final seven months of his contract with Manchester United, and he is approaching the twilight of his career.
Additionally, Manuel Ugarte has failed to make his mark since joining Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain last year. So, the Red Devils need a solid holding midfielder, with Garner emerging as a viable target. The 24-year-old Englishman is an appealing target, as he has entered the final 12 months of his Everton contract.
However, while Manchester United will attempt to sign the Everton utility man in the winter transfer window, David Moyes wants to block his exit and oversee a renewal. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the English midfielder.