Everton ‘doing everything’ to agree James Garner deal after Nottingham Forest reveal
Everton are extremely reluctant to see James Garner leave and are doing everything in their power to keep him at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The 24-year-old’s contract at Everton is set to expire at the end of the season leading to suggestions he could be allowed to leave in January to raise funds.
Football Insider revealed on 16 November that Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest want to sign Garner and have registered their interest in the midfielder.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Toffees are determined to keep Garner at the club beyond the January transfer window and hope to reach an agreement to extend his contract.
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.
Everton determined to agree James Garner deal
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 17 November that Everton are “hell-bent” on extending Garner’s contract despite growing interest.
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.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, well, look, he’s definitely going to be of interest because of his contract situation at Everton.
“I’m sure Everton will be doing everything they can to keep hold of him. He’s been one of their best players this season and has even been tipped for an England call-up.
“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.
“He’s got the likes of Newcastle, Villa, Forest, West Ham, all interested in Garner but I’m sure Everton will be doing everything they possibly can to tie him down to a new deal.
“They’ve obviously tied down some of their other key players like Pickford and Tarkowski to new contracts so I’m sure they’ll be looking to do similar with Garner.”
Everton set sights on midfield signing after Garner latest
Given their concerns about Garner’s potential departure, the Toffees have set their sights on landing a potential replacement when the transfer window opens.
Football Insider revealed on 21 November that Everton want to sign a new midfielder in the January transfer window
Garner is not the only midfielder out of contract, however, as the club are also preparing for Idrissa Gueye to leave at the end of the season.
The midfielder has started all 11 of the Toffees’ Premier League games so far this term, but his club are prepared to let him walk away for free at the end of his deal next summer.
Meanwhile, Football Insider recently revealed that Everton have Scott McTominay in their sights ahead of the upcoming winter window.
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