Sources: Aston Villa exploring James Garner deal
Aston Villa are turning their attention to luring Everton midfielder James Garner this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Midlands giants were heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old ahead of the last January window, and remain long-term admirers.
Unai Emery and the Villa recruitment team are working to strengthen their squad ahead of a return to the Champions League, and have identified Garner as a midfield target for this summer.
The England international penned a new contract at Everton back in January, which could keep him on Merseyside until the summer of 2030.
However, Villa are now plotting a move to prise him away in the coming weeks, as they look to make him a key part of their team.
Garner started every single game for the Toffees in the Premier League last term, and also contributed nine goal involvements, a career-best tally in the top flight.
Everton 'relaxed' over James Garner situation
Villa's interest in Garner has been sustained in recent months, and Everton have become accustomed to handling interest in their star man.
David Moyes views the former Manchester United man as a key part of the project that he is building at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, after another impressive individual season.
Football Insider revealed at the end of April that Everton were "relaxed" about Garner's future amid interest from Villa heading into the summer.
The Toffees are protected by the lengthy contract that they handed to him last winter, but the interest from Villa Park will not go away.
The Villans have just seen their coffers boosted significantly by the £117million, British-record sale of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.
They are now seriously contemplating splashing some of their fortune on Garner, with the midfield a key area for improvement after Youri Tielemans' exit.
Aston Villa set sights on Serie A forward
Former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that his former club are plotting a move to sign Bologna forward Jonathan Rowe this summer.
The second city outfit have been admirers of the 23-year-old since his early days at Norwich City, and had scouts tracking his progress throughout last season.
Brown has made it clear that Emery is looking to add more wingers to his squad ahead of the new campaign, and Rowe is believed to be keen to return to England.
The wideman netted eight goals and four assists for Bologna last season, and scored against Villa in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash.