James Garner has a 'big move there for him' after Everton transfer twist

Everton will face a fight to keep hold of James Garner in transfer windows to come as he continues to impress.

That is according to former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 25-year-old was impressive again on Sunday as the Toffees drew 2-2 with Manchester United, courtesy of Ainsley Maitland-Niles' 96th-minute equaliser.

Garner was reportedly subject to late interest from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, although David Moyes has since denied the rumour.

Everton were said to have knocked back the interest, with the London club valuing the midfielder around £65million.

Garner is under contract until 2030 and is happy on Merseyside, having extended his deal in January.

'There's a big move there' for James Garner

Garner joined Everton from Man United in 2022 for around £15m, after he had impressed on loan at Nottingham Forest.

The England international has made significant progress since, and is now considered among the brightest midfield talents in the Premier League.

Considering the £116m Elliot Anderson went for and the £100m Sandro Tonali cost this summer, Everton would likely need something similar to even consider Garner's sale.

"Last year, his performances earned him an England cap, and rightly so," King told Football Insider. "In a similar role, he was like the boy [Morgan] Rogers at Aston Villa. I think there's a big move there for him.

"I think some of the big boys will come calling at some stage, that's for sure. But for me, his performances were good. They were regular.

"He earned an England call-up, and I think he was certainly a central part of Everton's last two seasons. His progress has also progressed Everton as a football team."

David Moyes denies Garner rumours

Chelsea were scrambling as the market drew to a close, having sanctioned Enzo Fernandez's £125m move to Manchester City without a replacement.

Lamine Camara looked to be their man, but Monaco ultimately pulled out of their agreed deal at the final second and have left Xabi Alonso short on midfielders.

Reports would suggest that Chelsea attempted a last-minute deal for Garner, but Moyes dismissed that claim.

"What was said was completely untrue, so I don’t know where that’s come from. There’s no truth in that whatsoever," he said last week.