Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty Images
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty Images
Everton midfielder James Garner is just one of the players who is currently set to see his contract run out at the end of the campaign.
The summer saw considerable player turnover at Everton, with numerous players moving on from Merseyside as free agents.
David Moyes is keen to avoid another summer like that next year as Everton are already making moves to avoid losing some top players on a free.
One of the players who is now playing into the final months of his contract is James Garner.
It has already been suggested that Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are eyeing Garner ahead of next summer.
However, there is one key detail which is being overlooked in these reports linking the 24-year-old with a move away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty Images
Everton will not lose James Garner for free next year
Moyes has been so impressed with Garner this season, with the midfielder being used as a utility man across a number of different positions.
Naturally, Garner’s performances for the Blues has seen a number of clubs place the midfielder on their radar for the summer.
But Moyes has already shared Garner’s extension clause, which will see the Blues avoid losing him on a free to the likes of Newcastle.
“I don’t know if he’s in the last year of his contract. I’m sure there will be a clause in there where we’ve got him so, I couldn’t even answer that question,” Moyes said earlier in the season.
“We don’t go into clauses,” added Everton’s head of media Andy Neid.
Everton News understands that Everton have been keen to advance Garner’s contract talks over the international break.
Having played right-back last time out against Fulham, where Garner will feature against Manchester United will have to be seen, but he has now become one of the first names on the team sheet.
Garner has silenced any critics at Everton
Last season, there were some Everton fans criticising Garner, as he struggled to nail down any consistency.
Any doubters have been silenced this season, with the midfielder seriously impressing Moyes with his contributions.
Last 365 days Per 90 minutes Percentile
Tackles 2.51 76
Interceptions 1.35 81
Blocks 1.39 75
Clearances 2.24 80
Garner made it clear he wanted an England call-up two months ago, but he is still in search of a call-up from Thomas Tuchel.
He has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most underrated players on Merseyside after showing his levels of consistency across multiple positions.
Everton cannot afford to lose a player like Garner on a free, but the clause in his deal, which Moyes alluded to, will save them from just that.