Newcastle told James Garner price-tag after Everton reveal
James Garner has been a key man for Everton recently and his form has seen interest in his signature arise ahead of the January window.
Everton‘s move to sign James Garner from Man United in 2022 has proven to be a more impressive one with each season that has passed since his arrival.
The versatile 24-year-old has worked his way from being a bit-part player to now becoming one of David Moyes’ go-to men in either central midfield or full-back.
This has been his best season at the club to date so far, with starts in all 11 of the Toffees’ league games, and Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (12 November) that Newcastle are keeping tabs on Garner with the new year looming.
It initially runs to next summer, but Garner’s contract does have a one-year extension option, yet the Magpies remain interested in his services with a move potentially on the horizon.
Garner would cost Newcastle over £20million if Everton extension is triggered
Garner admitted he had “heard nothing” on agreeing a new Everton contract last month, but they are expected to offer him fresh terms before the end of this season.
Newcastle scouts have been making regular checks on the 24-year-old, but it has not progressed beyond that at this stage.
Sources say that Newcastle would be looking at a fee of over £20million to sign Garner if Everton do either extend his contract further or simply trigger their year-option to tie him down on Merseyside until 2027.
It is also believed that a central midfielder is not a priority position for the Magpies in either of the next two windows, but they may turn to a new midfield target like Garner if one of Eddie Howe‘s main midfield stars leave St James’ Park.
What David Moyes has said about Garner amid England talk
His impressive start to the campaign has seen Everton boss Moyes tip Garner for an England call-up, but midfield competition is fierce and Thomas Tuchel has not yet seen fit to hand him a maiden cap.
Speaking live on talkSPORT earlier this week, the Scot praised Garner and admitted that he was not expecting him to be so influential, saying: “He’s been fantastic since I came in. I didn’t realise probably how good he was. He’s been so good.
“He’s played great in midfield and he’s played full-back for me as well. I’ve said a couple of times recently he’s probably getting closer to getting talked about for England because of his performances.
“By the way, England have got so many good players to select from, so for anyone to select a team [is difficult].
“Jimmy is one of the group of young English midfield players who maybe in the future has a chance of getting a call-up. He’s done a brilliant job for us, Jimmy, and he’s playing very well.”