James Garner to Man United? ‘Shock’ update on sensational January move
Man United are not considering making a move to re-sign James Garner from Everton despite uncertainty over his future on Merseyside.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade and remains very well-connected there, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 24-year-old is not on their list of targets.
Garner, who left United to join Everton in 2022, has just six months remaining on his contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and could leave this month as a result.
Football Insider revealed in November that Garner could leave Everton in the near future after Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest made contact over his situation.
However, despite suggestions Ruben Amorim‘s side could pursue the Everton star as they aim to bolster in midfield, they have their sights set on other targets.
Man United eye other targets after James Garner news
Brown told Football Insider on 30 December that Elliot Anderson is Man United’s top target as they aim to strengthen in midfield.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted it would be a “shock” if the Red Devils opted to pursue Garner this month.
“I don’t think James Garner is somebody they’re considering,” he told Football Insider.
“There are a few names on their list, but they need somebody who can come in and really make a difference in midfield, like Anderson for example.
“It’s an important position because they need energy and drive in the middle, somebody to get up and down the park, make challenges and distribute the ball.
“I’m not sure Garner is that type of player. He’s a good passer and brilliant at set plays, but he’s not the level of player United are looking for
“It’s an obvious link because he came through at United, but there was a reason they let him go when they did, so bringing him back would be a shock.”
Everton stance on Garner exit in January revealed
Football Insider revealed in November that Everton will do everything to keep Garner and have no plans to lose him in January or at the end of the season.
There had been suggestion the Toffees could cash in rather than lose him for free, but plans are being put in place to extend his stay on Merseyside.
Garner confessed he had not held talks with Everton over a new deal when asked in October, but those discussions are now believed to have taken place.
Football Insider revealed that Moyes wants to keep Garner at Everton and sees him as an important part of his squad both now and for the future.
However, while United are not interested, the midfielder has a number of suitors elsewhere and could soon be tempted to move away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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