Leeds United appear out of luck as target earmarked for Manchester United place

Leeds United may be out of luck in their pursuit of reported target James Garner, since he has been earmarked for a place in the Manchester United side next term.

Garner has been plying his trade in the Championship for the past couple of years. The defensive-midfielder was loaned out from Manchester United in 2020.

He first went to Watford, where he played for half a season. Garner then moved on to Nottingham Forest halfway through the last campaign, where he has been a mainstay.

The 21-year-old has played 57 times for the club, and has scored seven goals and made six assists. Forest are having a good season – they currently sit eighth in the Championship – and Garner has been a consistent performer.

As such, parent club Manchester United seem to be keeping a keen eye on him. In fact, a report from The Telegraph states that United are looking at including him in their squad for next term.

Garner has reportedly been earmarked as a player who could find himself in the first-team.

United are currently looking for a new manager. As such, Garner’s future will likely be decided by whoever takes charge of the club next.

However, continuing to perform for Forest can do him no harm at all.

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The fact that Garner is versatile will also help him in the long run. While he is primarily a defensive-midfielder, he can play as an eight, or in a more attacking role, all of which he has done this season.

That aspect of his game could stand him in good stead with the next United manager. What’s more, an assist against Leicester City in the FA Cup in February showed his quality against a top-flight side.

Man Utd place could spoil Leeds’ hopes for James Garner

Leeds United have been reported to be interested in Garner in the past. Indeed, Jesse Marsch is apparently a fan of the midfielder.

While deals between the rival sides seem unlikely, Daniel James’ move to Elland Road in the summer proved they can happen.

However, the Whites may be out of luck in their pursuit of Garner.

If Man Utd want him in their first-team, then clearly there is little chance that they would let him leave the club.

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