Everton manager David Moyes has played down speculation linking James Garner with a move away from the Blues.
The 24-year-old is in the final year of his current deal and confirmed recently that renewal talks are yet to begin.
There is an option to extend his current contract by a year to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.
However, recent reports have linked Newcastle United with an approach for the versatile midfielder.
In what will be music to Evertonian ears, Moyes today confirmed he has ‘no intention’ of letting Garner go.
Indeed, the Everton manager also confirmed that there will be talks to renew Garner’s contract, when the club is ‘ready to do so’.
He said: “I have no intention of letting him go. I don’t know where the news comes from, but if I told you the phone had been ringing about Jimmy Garner, I’d be telling you absolute lies.
“There’s been no phone calls in my phone or anybody in the club that I know of about Jimmy Garner. We’ll obviously look to renew Jimmy’s contract when we’re ready to do so.”
MOYES’ MESSAGE MUSIC TO EVERTONIAN EARS
Garner has been superb in several positions for the Toffees this season, performing well in midfield, at right-back and left-back.
Former Everton defender Tony Hibbert recently revealed how impressed he’s been with the 24-year-old this season.
Indeed, his versatility in particular has been a real asset, as he cements his role as Moyes’ utility player.
With Idrissa Gueye headed to AFCON next month and Merlin Rohl absent through injury, Garner will likely revert to a midfield role once more.
No doubt his capacity and willingness to play in multiple positions will do him no harm in his international ambitions.
Indeed, the Birkenhead-born player has spoken of his hopes of working his way into next summer’s World Cup squad.
On merit, he certainly deserves a call-up, just as long as he travels to North America as an Everton player.