David Moyes’ stance on Everton star quitting revealed as Nottingham Forest swoop
David Moyes has no plans to lose James Garner in the January transfer window despite growing concerns about his contract situation at Everton.
The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, leading to speculation about his future in January as a number of clubs are eyeing cut-price moves.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Garner has established himself as an important player in the Toffees’ starting XI and the manager has no plans to lose any key players mid-way through the season.
Moyes has tipped Garner to earn an England cap thanks to his displays at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, highlighting how impressive he has been so far this season.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 21 November that Everton are “doing everything” to keep Garner and see of interest from the likes of Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
David Moyes has no plans to let James Garner leave Everton
Garner confessed he has not held talks with Everton over a new deal when asked last month, but added that he is enjoying his football after a strong start to the season.
Despite the lack of progress over any new deal as things stand, Moyes is determined to keep hold of the midfield talent, and is making efforts to keep him at the club.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Garner is obviously going to be of interest to a lot of clubs because of his contract situation.
“Everton will be doing everything they can to keep hold of him.
“He’s been arguably Everton’s best player this season and he’s even been tipped for an England call-up by David Moyes because of his performances.
““He’s such a versatile player, obviously can play in midfield but has filled in at right-back and left-back, and that shows his importance to the Everton team.
“I’m sure with his contract situation that Everton will be looking to sit down and discuss a new contract with him because David Moyes would be loath to lose such a key player.
“You’ve got the likes of Newcastle, Villa, Nottingham Forest and West Ham looking at him, but Everton will be doing everything they can to tie him down to a new deal.”
Everton aim to deter interest in Garner with new deal
Newcastle are interested in Garner, and despite his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Magpies would have to pay over £20million to agree a deal.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 16 November that Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest want to sign Garner and have registered their interest in the midfielder.
Everton reportedly have the option to extend Garner’s contract for another year at the end of the season, so the situation may not be as urgent as it seems.
Having already agreed terms with the likes of Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski to extend their stays, the Toffees see the midfielder as the next in line for a new deal.
However, given their concerns about Garner’s potential departure, Football Insider revealed that Everton want to sign a new midfielder in the January transfer window.
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