Manchester United are exploring a move to bring Everton midfielder James Garner back to Old Trafford, after letting him leave the club in 2022, according to a report from United in Focus.
Garner joined the Toffees for a fee of around £9m in 2022 after struggling to make an impact at senior level during his time at United. Garner spent time away from Old Trafford on loan at both Watford and Nottingham Forest, making just a handful of appearances for the Red Devils before his departure.
Garner has developed into a key player for Everton, partly due to his versatility, with David Moyes deploying him at full-back and in the middle of the park this season. The England youth international has certainly kicked on in recent years, meaning leaving Old Trafford was likely a smart move, but a return could be on the cards if he's keen to make the switch back to Manchester.
Man Utd Exploring Move to Sign Everton's James Garner
Garner celebrates
According to United in Focus, Manchester United are exploring a move to bring Garner back to the club, with his contract expiring next summer. The Red Devils are aware of Garner's situation at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and he's shown up well during reports from their recruitment staff.
If United can manage to secure Garner on a free transfer, then it could be a smart, financially savvy move, to add bodies in the middle of the park. Everton are in talks with Garner over a potential new deal, which could scupper United's plans, as talks are said to be progressing well for him to put pen-to-paper on an extension.
Garner isn't the only Everton player United are reportedly targeting, with reports suggesting that they are ready to bid £60m to sign centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. The English defender would likely be the more expensive deal of the two, with Everton already rejecting significant offers from the Manchester club for Branthwaite last summer.
Garner's versatility could make him a useful option for the Red Devils, especially if they are able to secure his signature on a free transfer. The Toffees will likely want to extend his contract to at least protect his value, while Moyes clearly rates the midfielder considering the game time he's given him so far during his tenure.