Everton will attempt to strike an agreement with 24-year-old English midfielder over a new contract amid his links with Manchester United.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, James Garner is the subject of interest of Manchester United. The Red Devils are keen on bolstering their first-team squad by signing a holding midfielder next year. So, the 24-year-old Everton utility man has emerged as a target.

Recent reports have claimed that the struggling Premier League giants are exploring the possibility of re-signing their former academy star. However, Everton will aim to tie Garner to a new contract, and they have begun accelerating the talks with the Englishman’s entourage.

James Garner and his career-defining move

James Garner has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League since joining Everton from Manchester United in a deal worth £15 million in September 2022. The 24-year-old spent his formative years with Manchester United, but he could not become a first-choice starter for them. The youngster excelled in his loan spells with Watford and Nottingham Forest before Everton secured his services.

The English midfielder has made considerable progress at Everton while being a utility man due to his ability to play as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, and a full-back. Garner has made nearly 100 appearances thus far for Everton, chipping in with three goals and five assists. Meanwhile, his progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Manchester United.

Manchester United return on the cards?

Manchester United’s interest in James Garner makes sense. The Red Devils are combing the market for a holding midfielder, as Casemiro is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. The veteran Brazilian midfielder has also entered the final 12 months of his contract with Manchester United, leaving his long-term future uncertain.

Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte has failed to make his mark since joining Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain last year. So, the struggling Premier League giants need a holding midfielder, with Garner emerging as a viable target. However, Everton will aim to keep hold of the 24-year-old Englishman after opening contract talks with his entourage.

The latest update has revealed that the Toffees are accelerating their talks with Garner’s representatives, and recent reports have claimed that they are optimistic about striking an agreement. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the English midfielder amid his links with Manchester United.