Everton agree £15m signing from Man Utd after hotly contested battle, but key hurdle remains

Everton appear to have won the race for Manchester United talent James Garner after reportedly agreeing a £15million deal for the midfielder.

Garner has been in demand after returning from a productive loan spell with Nottingham Forest. Not part of Erik ten Hag’s plans at Manchester United, he has been looking for a new club in recent weeks.

There have been a few contenders, such as Southampton and Leicester City – who were only just recently named as favourites to sign him.

But it looks like Everton are the club Garner will be joining. According to 90min, they have agreed a deal with Manchester United worth £15million.

That package includes add-ons, but it is not clear what the initial windfall Manchester United would be receiving is.

It hinges on Garner agreeing personal terms with Everton, which has not yet reached a conclusion. However, there is optimism that he will be lining up at Goodison Park soon.

Everton have been busy working on their midfield this summer. After the arrival of Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye is ready to follow and Garner should be signing up too.

With that in mind, Garner will have to fight for his place in Frank Lampard’s squad. But he could have a better chance of being in contention than he would be staying at Manchester United.

Interestingly, Garner was born in Merseyside, so a transfer to Everton will represent a move closer to home.

And despite his Manchester United contract running until 2024 with the option of a further year, his departure from Old Trafford will be a permanent one.

Everton will therefore be the club to give Garner his Premier League chance. He previously made two appearances in the top flight for Manchester United, once each in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons respectively.

Evderton a suitable next step for James Garner

After building up a lot more experience with Nottingham Forest, he could now take the next step of his career with Everton.

Still only 21 years old, he has plenty of time ahead of him to make a success of his career. Everton could be a good place for him to develop, despite their recent struggles.

Several young talents have progressed under Frank Lampard and gone on to become important players. Garner will be hoping to be the next to benefit from that aspect of Lampard’s coaching.

It could be a factor that comes into consideration when he is discussing terms with the Toffees. But they will be hoping the finishing line is in sight so they can make him part of their midfield evolution.

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