According to a report by Football Insider, James Garner is the subject of interest from Aston Villa. The Villans are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder next year. So, the 24-year-old Everton utility man has emerged as a target for the West Midlands club.
However, several other clubs are also keen on signing the Englishman, with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest also vying for his signature. Garner is out of contract at Everton next summer, and that has piqued the attention of several well-known Premier League clubs.
James Garner has been one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League since joining Everton from Manchester United in September 2022. The 24-year-old spent his formative years with Manchester United, but he could not establish a foothold in the senior squad. The youngster excelled in his loan spells with Watford and Nottingham Forest before Everton secured his services three years ago.
The English midfielder has made considerable progress at Everton. Additionally, he has been a utility man due to his ability to play as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, and a full-back. Garner has made nearly 100 appearances thus far for Everton, chipping in with three goals and five assists. Meanwhile, his progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Aston Villa’s interest in James Garner is somewhat baffling. The Villans are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder, even though Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana have been impressive in the middle of the park. However, John McGinn is on the wrong side of 30, and Ross Barkley has struggled with fitness issues. So, Garner is an option worth considering.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies are eager to sign a versatile midfielder amid uncertainties surrounding Joelinton’s long-term future. So, Garner has emerged as a viable target for the Tyneside outfit. However, Everton will attempt to tie the 24-year-old Englishman to a new deal.
Garner has entered the final 12 months of his contract, and the situation has piqued the attention of Aston Villa and Newcastle United. However, with Everton pushing for a new deal, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the English midfielder.