Everton 'concerned' about James Garner after rivals 'turn his head'

Everton are concerned about the long-term prospects of keeping James Garner amid growing interest from big-name clubs.

The 25-year-old has attracted plenty of high-profile attention over the last 12 months after his performances earned him an England call-up to plenty of acclaim.

Among those suitors are Chelsea, who made a late offer to sign the midfielder on deadline day, which was rejected out of hand by the Toffees who have no plans to sell.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton may find it difficult to hang on to Garner if the interest in his signature lingers into next year.

Chelsea remain in need of a new midfielder and have been tipped to revisit the deal, while the likes of Man United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have also been linked.

David Moyes views Garner as a key part of his first-team plans for the upcoming season, but there is a feeling he could have his head turned following Chelsea's offer.

Could James Garner look to leave Everton?

Former Everton scout Bryan King told Football Insider on 7 September that the Toffees will face a battle to keep Garner in 2027 as a result of his impressive performances.

The midfielder is believed to be happy on Merseyside, where he has been given the platform to develop into a top-class player, but the opportunities could be tempting.

Chelsea are set to keep tabs on Garner throughout the season and could return with an offer as soon as January, with Everton now worried about keeping hold of him.

"Garner has made himself a very important player for David Moyes and Everton," Brown told Football Insider.

"They've given him that platform, taken a chance on bringing him in from Man United, and they're now being rewarded for that with his performances of late.

"Obviously that's going to attract interest from clubs like Chelsea, who I believe have been impressed by what they've seen.

"From Everton's point of view, they had no intentions to sell during the summer, but they are concerned that it may be difficult to keep hold of him further down the line.

"Chelsea are going to be keeping tabs on him, so let's say they return with an offer in January, or next summer, will Everton still be able to say no?

"A lot might depend on how well they do this season, but when these clubs come knocking it can turn the player's head, because it's an opportunity to make a step up.

"I don't doubt he's happy at Everton and he seems like a good, stable character so I don't expect him to force a move or anything like that.

"But Everton could be put in a position where they feel they have to let him go and make that step up if it's what he wants to do, because the interest will be tempting."

How do Everton feel about selling James Garner?

Everton have been reluctant to lose Garner despite the growing level of interest in his signature, with that intention made clear after they rejected Chelsea's offer.

Their efforts to keep him at the club go back to January, where they handed him a new contract to deter interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Brown told Football Insider in July that Everton are still reluctant to see Garner leave and have placed a significant price tag on his head to deter potential suitors.

Moyes views the midfielder as an important part of his ambitious plans for the future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and has been keen to bat away any speculation over his future.

Chelsea's offer was believed to be worth as much as £65million, and while the bid was largely rejected due to the timing, another similar fee could tempt them to sell.