Nottingham Forest backed for late move to sign Harrison Armstrong's Everton teammate

Nottingham Forest have set their sights on a move to sign Everton midfielder James Garner on transfer deadline day.

Oliver Glasner's side are aiming to strengthen their midfield at this late stage and, having missed out on a deal for Harrison Armstrong, could now move to sign his teammate.

The England international has been a long-term target at the City Ground after his successful loan spell there in 2021-22, and could now make a late return to Nottingham.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Garner is a leading target for Nottingham Forest and they could make a late move for his signature.

The addition of a new central midfielder has been a priority for Glasner's side since Elliot Anderson joined Man City earlier this summer, with multiple targets on their radar.

However, Everton are expected to be extremely reluctant to lose Garner at this stage of the transfer window and are likely to block any advances from their Premier League rivals.

Could Nottingham Forest move to sign James Garner?

Football Insider first revealed back in November that Nottingham Forest had been in contact with Garner's camp over a potential move away from Everton in the mid-season window.

He later put pen to paper on a contract extension, but that has done little to ease the level of interest in his signature, with Forest making efforts to land a new midfielder.

After Everton blocked their move for Armstong, his teammate has risen up their list of targets, and they could now explore a move in the closing stages of the window.

"Don't be surprised if Nottingham Forest make a move to sign James Garner," Brown told Football Insider.

"He is very highly thought of there, after his loan spell from Man United a few years ago, and everybody know they want to sign a midfielder to replace Elliot Anderson.

"Everton have already rejected an offer for one of their midfielders, but Forest could now have a look at signing his teammate.

"It's very late in the window now, so Everton are going to be reluctant to let him go, but that's unlikely to stop Nottingham Forest if they want to make an offer.

"Garner had a fantastic season last time out and got himself on the fringes of the England squad, so that left a lot of clubs impressed, including Forest who have been keen for a while.

"It would be an interesting one to see if they are willing to test Everton's resolve, because it won't be an easy deal to do at this stage, but it's one I can see them trying for."

How do Everton feel about selling Garner?

Despite the growing interest in Garner's signature, his future will depend on whether Everton are willing to sell, as he remains on a long-term contract on Merseyside.

Nottingham Forest are not the only club to have shown an interest, with Aston Villa also having considered a move earlier in the summer transfer window.

However, Brown told Football Insider in July that Everton have been clear about their stance on Garner's future, and have no intention to let him go this summer.

David Moyes views the 25-year-old as an important part of his ambitious plans for the future, and has no plans to let him move on regardless of which clubs are interested.

This came after the Toffees ruled out selling the midfielder mid-way through last season, and their stance has not changed despite growing interest this summer.