Everton have a huge transfer decision to make ahead of the January transfer window when it comes to James Garner’s future.
Everton star James Garner has been one of the Toffees’ most consistent performers this season, featuring in every single minute of the Premier League so far this season, with a goal and an assist to his name.
Featuring at right-back and in central midfield, he’s become a dependable star for David Moyes so far in the campaign, with Garner even being touted for an England call-up ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
However, with Garner’s contract expiring, others are circling – but former Everton chief Keith Wyness believes that the Toffees will be able to tie the midfielder down to a new contract to fend off any interest.
James Garner during Everton v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
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Former Everton chief Keith Wyness believes James Garner will stay at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
James Garner’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and although the former Nottingham Forest fan favourite has a clause in his contract that can see Everton extend it for a year, it means clubs such as Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and West Ham have been linked for his signature.
However, former Everton chief Keith Wyness, who was at the club during David Moyes’ first spell at the club, believes that Toffees chiefs will get his signature wrapped up for the future.
Speaking on Football Insider’s ‘Inside Track’ podcast, Wyness said: “I think there’ll be interest. I think right now he’s getting his contract renegotiated.
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“But look, Garner has always had a lot of interest. When he left Man United and went on loan to Forest, he was very well thought of there.
“He’s a good player. He’s a very good, honest, decent Premier League player.
“He’s done a lot for David Moyes in terms of versatility and I know that Moyes really rates him, really likes him, and I think James is happy there. His contract will get resolved.
“He’ll be part of the squad going forward. I think everybody knows that James is going to get what he wants anyway. So, I expect him to be longer term at Everton, no problem at all.”
James Garner has proven to be just the kind of signing Everton should be making
Too often in the Farhad Moshiri era, money was spent on aging players who would have had little-to-no resale value for the long-term.
Cenk Tosun, Yannick Bolasie and Morgan Schneiderlin immediately spring to mind as players who fall into that bracket, and they were largely failed signings on Merseyside alongside the likes of Theo Walcott and Davy Klaassen.
It has been the signing of Jordan Pickford from Sunderland, Richarlison, Amadou Onana and more who have proven to be successful by either selling them at a huge profit, or in Pickford’s case, more than justifying the price tag set.
Even the likes of Moise Kean have proven to be good signings for the money sold for, even though the Italian wasn’t brilliant on the pitch.
James Garner undoubtedly falls into that category at just £15million. He’s been a superb squad option over the years, and he’s now grown into a starting berth. If the Friedkin Group are to get fans on board, signings of a similar standing will be highly heralded.