James Garner: Everton ‘relaxed’ over Aston Villa interest, Toffees’ ambition clear
James Garner’s future is not a concern for Everton amid interest from Aston Villa, sources have told Football Insider.
The Toffees recently tied the England international down to a new contract and are “relaxed” over the ongoing situation, despite Unai Emery’s side pushing to try and sign him once again.
David Moyes and Co. have no intention of entertaining any offers for the 25-year-old ahead of next season, although sources have indicated that they have already accepted that their key players are bound to draw interest from elsewhere.
Everton are hopeful that their recent progress and their level of ambition can match Garner’s own aspirations within the game, to help provide further security for them.
The midfielder has been a crucial part of their rise up the Premier League table in 2025-26, and the idea of Everton selling Garner is something that isn’t even in their minds at the moment.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBAston Villa tracking James Garner closely
Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Villa are watching Garner “closely” with a view to trying to make a move for him this summer.
The Champions League hopefuls were previously linked with a move for the former Nottingham Forest man on a free transfer, and they have not been deterred by his recent new contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
| Stats | Garner Total |
| Apps | 31 |
| G/A | 8 |
| Chances Created | 44 |
| Shots on Target | 12 |
| Tackles | 93 |
| Duels Won % | 62.5% |
The second city outfit are long-term admirers of the Birkenhead-born star, and were particularly impressed with his first outings for England at senior level in the recent March international break.
However, the advances from Villa do not appear to have fazed Everton, who are confident that they are making strides to be able to help the likes of Garner play at the highest possible level.
He has quickly been deemed too important to be sold ahead of next season, and that stance is only likely to change if a truly irrefutable offer were to be put on the table.
Everton also set for Jarrad Branthwaite success
Brown also told Football Insider this week that Everton are set to keep hold of Jarrad Branthwaite for another season, with no clubs ready to act on their previous interest in the centre-back at the moment.
The recruitment chief’s former club Manchester United had appeared keen to make a move for the defender in recent months, but their interest has now cooled ahead of the window.
That means that Everton appear set for another successful window when it comes to keeping hold of the 23-year-old, who has established himself a key figure in Moyes’ plans when he is fit.
Branthwaite has endured another injury-hit campaign this term, having only made his first Premier League appearance of the season at the end of January.
It has now become clear that Everton’s greatest battle where he is concerned is keeping him fit, rather than fending off interest right now.
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