Newcastle set sights on James Garner after midfielder deal agreed - expert

Newcastle United have set their sights on a deal to sign Everton star James Garner as Sandro Tonali heads to Tottenham and follows Anthony Gordon out of the exit door this summer.

The Magpies have been bracing for Tonali's departure for weeks now, and have been assessing a number of potentially available targets to replace the Italy international.

Garner, 25, is believed to be high on that list of targets after an impressive season with Everton which saw him narrowly miss out on England's World Cup squad.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Eddie Howe is a big fan of Garner and believes his skillset would lend itself perfectly to his squad.

The England international's work rate, versatility and quality in possession, as well as his Premier League experience, would be seen as valuable assets by the Newcastle boss.

Everton will likely be reluctant to lose Garner, who signed a new contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in January, but Newcastle could test their resolve.

Could Newcastle make a move to sign James Garner?

Football Insider exclusively revealed in November that Newcastle have been keeping a close eye on Garner in case he become available for a move away from Everton.

Their interest initially emerged when it seemed the midfielder might be available on a free transfer, but he later penned a new deal at Everton to deter any interest.

However, the Magpies have not swayed from their stance and remain keen to sign the midfielder as a potential replacement for the departing Tonali.

"Garner is somebody who Newcastle have been looking at for a while," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's the type of player Eddie Howe would like to bring in, with that Premier League experience, and he's shown for Everton over the last year how good he can be.

"He's versatile, he can play out wide or at right-back if needed, which is always a big plus and he was almost included in the England squad.

"He's a very talented player, Garner, so if Newcastle are looking to sign a replacement for Tonali, I expect he will be high on their list because of what he's done.

"He won't be the only one they look at, and it might depend on how Everton respond because I can't imagine they'll be particularly keen to let him go.

"But Newcastle are admirers of him and they could make a move if, or when, Tonali completes his move away."

How do Everton feel about selling James Garner?

Newcastle's pursuit of Garner could largely depend on Everton's stance, given how important the midfielder has been for Moyes over the last 12 months.

Moyes is believed to be keen to improve his squad rather than weaken it this summer, and he hopes to keep a number of key players including the likes of Garner and Iliman Ndiaye.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider in May that Garner is unlikely to leave the Hill Dickinson Stadium regardless of interest in his signature.

The midfielder's new contract saw him extend his stay on Merseyside until 2030, placing his club in a strong position to negotiate his potential sale.

As a result, Newcastle could be forced to part with a significant fee, or look elsewhere in their pursuit of a replacement for Tonali in the summer transfer window.