Newcastle United are now reportedly scouting James Garner following an impressive spell of form as they look to deal the Toffees a frustrating blow in 2026.
The Magpies desperately need a lift. They've won just three of their first 11 Premier League games and sit as low as 14th, having only just qualified for the Champions League last season. Defeat at Brentford only compiled Eddie Howe's misery and, for the first time since he took over at St James' Park, the pressure is growing.
Many have had their say on Newcastle's current struggles, including club legend Alan Shearer.
The Premier League's record goalscorer shared what he believes has been missing as of late, saying: "I guess a manager's always under pressure to get results, but I think the job that Eddie Howe has done at Newcastle and what he delivered in the Carabao Cup, the trophy, I guess he's got a lot of points in the bank.
"What I would look at is Eddie's Newcastle team have always been full of energy, being tough to play against, not giving the opposition any space. That in the away performances is missing, and even home form really. The thing that is missing for me is the high press and the energy.
"I've said before that as good as Nick Woltemade is with the ball at his feet, he is a problem for Newcastle because he's not the quickest, and he can't press, and he doesn't run in behind.
"Eddie's teams have always done that. Look at what Alexander Isak did or look at what Callum Wilson did, they all pressed and ran behind. But this guy can't do that, and that's a problem for Newcastle."
It's the type of form that the Magpies need to turn around sooner rather than later and the type that has exposed their need for January reinforcements.
Newcastle now scouting James Garner
According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Newcastle are now scouting Garner ahead of a potential 2026. The midfielder has quietly impressed for the Toffees this season and is now the one attracting the Magpies' attention instead of Everton's star man Iliman Ndiaye.
Ndiaye has been linked with a whole host of top clubs, but after Everton placed a £70m valuation on his head, it seems attention may turn to the future of Garner.
James Garner for Everton
A move for the former Manchester United man would make perfect sense in the face of Joelinton's recent form. Whilst his robust approach has previously been to the benefit of Newcastle, Howe's side are now desperately crying out for the control that Garner would provide as an alternative option.
PL stats 25/26 Garner Joelinton
Minutes 990 647
Progressive Passes p90 5.27 5
Key Passes p90 0.91 0.69
Ball Recoveries p90 3.73 4.17
However, it seems unlikely that David Moyes will let his midfield star leave without a fight. The Everton boss was recently full of praise for the 24-year-old, telling reporters: "He’s been fantastic since I came in. I didn’t realise probably how good he was. He’s been so good.
“He’s played great in midfield and he’s played full-back for me as well. I’ve said a couple of times recently he’s probably getting closer to getting talked about for England because of his performances."
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