Everton have surprisingly seen midfield general James Garner linked with a move to Newcastle United in recent days – and although it’s a deal that would break hearts, it could open the door to another good deal.
James Garner has been one of Everton’s strong points this season, scoring the second goal in the Hill Dickinson Stadium’s Premier League debut vs Brighton, whilst also filling in more than capably at right-back and in central midfield.
That has seen Garner touted for an England call-up, with David Moyes in particular praising the former Manchester United man.
However, that has led to links to Newcastle United. But despite Tyneside potentially calling for Garner, it could open the door to Jacob Ramsey, who was linked with Everton in the summer when at Aston Villa.
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
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James Garner has been linked with Newcastle in surprise move
Everton star James Garner was linked with a move to Newcastle on Wednesday morning, with sports journalist Pete O’Rourke stating that Magpies chiefs have regularly sent scouts to watch him.
Crucially, Garner’s contract is set to expire in the summer, which has led to an explosion of interest in securing his signature.
Whilst Everton are battling to offer Garner a new deal, they will be hoping to tie him down sooner or later before clubs such as Newcastle make a genuine offer for his services.
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It’s so far unknown as to whether Garner will remain on Merseyside, despite there being a good chance that he will do so for the time being.
But that could open the door for Ramsey to burst through the doors after a less-than-desirable start to life under Eddie Howe.
James Garner during Everton v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
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Everton could now revisit Jacob Ramsey move after summer move failed to transpire
James Garner leaving could open the door for a midfielder to come in, and that would be the ideal scenario for Ramsey to move – both for the player and the club.
Ramsey’s £43million move to Newcastle in the summer transfer window offered the midfielder a new start away from Aston Villa, despite the deal being pushed through due to PSR regulations. Everton had tried to sign Ramsey, according to TBR Football, though Newcastle won the race.
However, Ramsey has only featured in just five games so far this season, due to an ankle injury and the brilliance of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in their midfield three.
Just one start, coming in the weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford, means he’s yet to be on the winning side in any Newcastle game.
Fixture Result Minutes played
Liverpool (H) 3-2 loss 14
Leeds (A) 0-0 draw 45
Brighton (A) 2-1 loss 20
West Ham (A) 3-1 loss 45
Brentford (A) 3-1 loss 66
Jacob Ramsey’s minutes for Newcastle since his summer move
Garner’s potential exit from Merseyside to Tyneside as well as the emergence of Lewis Miley could push Ramsey down the pecking order – and although Newcastle would probably be reluctant to sell him so soon, a loan move could be in the offing.
Everton would love a creative number eight and a ten in their side, which only Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall can do at the moment.
Charly Alcaraz has had to bide his time so far and he could be a backup option, leaving Ramsey to come in and play either behind the striker or alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye.