Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing 25-year-old Everton midfielder James Garner in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid are also interested in 25-year-old Everton utility man James Garner. It is no secret that Liverpool need more physicality and defensive cover in the middle of the park, and the Everton midfielder could be a useful acquisition.
The former Manchester United academy prospect has established himself as a key player for Everton since joining them, and there is no doubt that he deserves to compete at a higher level. The report claims that Liverpool would be prepared to spend €70 million on the English midfielder.
The versatile Englishman can operate as a full-back as well as a central midfielder. He will add drive, physicality and defensive cover to the team. More importantly, with concerns surrounding Curtis Jones’s long-term future due to his protracted contract talks, Garner can arrive as a long-term replacement.
Liverpool could use Garner
Liverpool have been using Ryan Gravenberch in a defensive role, and the Netherlands international would thrive with more freedom. Adding Garner in the middle of the park will allow Gravenberch to operate freely.
Garner has 453 ball recoveries this season, which shows he is heavily involved in regaining possession for his team. He is also averaging 4.4 tackles + interceptions per 90 this season. However, it will not be easy for Liverpool to agree on a deal with Everton. The bitter rivalry between the two clubs will certainly complicate matters.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid could use more depth in the middle of the park, and a utility man like Garner might be a handy option for them. It remains to be seen which of the two clubs comes forward with an official proposal to sign Garner in the coming months.
James Garner could fancy a big move
The Everton mainstay could be attracted to the idea of joining a big club in the summer. The English international has proved himself consistently at Everton, and this could be the right time for him to take the next step and join a team where he will be able to fight for trophies.
€70 million is a substantial amount of money for the midfielder, and Everton could be under pressure to sell if a suitable offer is presented in the summer. Meanwhile, the Toffees pushing for European qualification, and they have shown great improvement under David Moyes. If they secure European football for next season, it would certainly give them a greater chance of keeping their best players.
