Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Everton’s James Garner ahead of the January transfer window.
While Geordie Boot Boys understands that Newcastle United are not expected to be busy in January, Garner is a name to have come up in recent weeks.
Newcastle strengthened their midfield by signing Jacob Ramsey this summer but the unit – once seen as Eddie Howe’s greatest strength – is struggling this season.
Ramsey has suffered with injury, while Joelinton is out of form. Joe Willock, meanwhile, hasn’t convinced for a while now.
With that in mind, an update on the club’s interest in the former Manchester United midfielder has emerged.
Everton midfielder James Garner during a Premier League match against Tottenham.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Newcastle United have scouted James Garner
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle have indeed made checks on the 24-year-old defensive midfielder.
Still, it’s added that serious talks between the clubs about the prospect of a move have not taken place.
Though Garner’s contract expires at the end of the season, the report claims that Everton are likely to have the option to extend his deal by another year.
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As such, Garner could cost over £20million if Newcastle were seriously looking at buying him.
2025/26 Premier League statistics James Garner
Games 11
Starts 11
Minutes played 990
Goals 1
Assists 1
Shots/90 1.8
Tackles/90 2.5
Interceptions/90 1.5
Stats via WhoScored
Newcastle United fans should listen to what David Moyes has said about James Garner
With all due respect to Garner, he is perhaps not a name that will get many Newcastle supporters off their feet.
Indeed, there has long been a theory amongst the fanbase that the club place too much emphasis on Premier League experience and do not scout from further afield often enough.
Still, and while that is difficult to ignore, Garner is a player on the up.
Able to operate in both midfield and at full-back, he’s been in impressive form this season.
So much so, in fact, that Everton boss David Moyes believes he could be in line for an England call-up.
“He’s been fantastic since I came in,” he told talkSPORT earlier this week.
“I didn’t realise how good he was, he’s so good, he’s great in midfield and he’s probably getting closer to people talking about him getting an England call. He’s played full-back, done a brilliant job for us, and is playing very well.”