'Everton's transfer plan is clear' for James Garner amid Aston Villa swoop

Aston Villa have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Everton star James Garner with new plans being put in place on Merseyside.

The England international is high on Unai Emery's list of midfield targets, as he aims to land the midfielder after keeping tabs on his performances throughout last season.

However, David Moyes views the 25-year-old as an important part of his ambitious plans for the future, and has no plans to let him move on in this summer transfer window.

Former Man United chief scout and long-standing Moyes ally Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton have been clear about their stance on Garner's future and have no plans to accept any offers.

This came after the Toffees ruled out selling the midfielder mid-way through last season, and their stance has not changed despite growing interest this summer.

Garner signed a new contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium during the January transfer window to deter growing interest, as he committed his future to the club until 2030.

Could Aston Villa make a move to sign James Garner?

Football Insider revealed on 23 July that Aston Villa are turning their attention towards Garner, having identified him as an option to strengthen in midfield.

Emery has lost both Youri Tielemans, who has joined Man United, and Amadou Onana, who suffered a serious injury, and is now determined to bolster his midfield depth.

However, Everton have been clear in their stance and are unlikely to budge, with plans in place to keep the England international for the foreseeable future.

"Everton have been pretty clear on this, they don't want to lose James Garner," Brown told Football Insider.

"He became such an important part of Moyesey's plans last season, hardly ever dropped out of the starting XI, and even put himself in contention for the England squad.

"Of course when any player is performing consistently at that level, there is going to be interest from top clubs in the Premier League.

"It's no surprise Aston Villa are interested because of the players they've lost in that midfield, but I don't think it will be easy for them to lure Garner away any time soon.

"He's such an important player for them, and Moyes will not want to lose any key players, much less one who he has relied upon so much.

"If any club wants to make a move for Garner, it would have to be a very good one for Everton to sell, and I can't see a way they let him go before the window closes."

Injury blow throws new spanner in the works of Garner deal

While Everton's stance over their midfielder's future has delivered a blow to the interested clubs, with more than just Aston Villa keeping tabs, a new twist has also impacted the situation.

Football Insider revealed on 28 July that Garner has undergone surgery on a groin injury and is now set to miss the remainder of pre-season trainig with Everton.

He is now a major doubt for the opening game of the Premier League season, when Everton will face Pierre Sage's Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Garner didn't miss a single game of Premier League football last term and was a mainstay in Moyes' side, with the club now keen to have him back as soon as possible.

While there is optimism that he may be fit for the opening game, he will not have the required level of match fitness after missing all of their pre-season warm-up games.