Any hopes West Ham United had of following up Callum Wilson and Kyle Walker-Peters with another experienced Premier League free-agent have just been scotched as David Moyes pours cold water on those James Garner rumours.
It was reported earlier this week that West Ham are watching James Garner’s situation closely at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The former Manchester United youngster has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent, flexible operators so far this season. David Moyes labelled Garner ‘fantastic’ earlier this month. Even the man in charge at Everton has been taken aback by the sheer quality of the 24-year-old’s performances.
Whether in his favoured midfield role or lining up at right-back or wide on the left, Garner has delivered reliable, seven-out-of-ten and above displays throughout the campaign.
Now, West Ham United are starting to see the benefits of bringing both Callum Wilson and Kyle Walker-Peters to East London. Nuno Espirito Santo expects Wilson to kick on after his equaliser in the comeback victory over Burnley. A game in which Walker-Peters, another of the summer’s free-agent acquisitions, opened his Hammers account.
Clearly, there is some value to be found when it comes to experienced, if somewhat unfashionable top-flight stalwarts.
Garner will not be following in their footsteps, though. Not as a free-agent anyway.
James Garner during Salford City v Everton - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
David Moyes says Everton will extend James Garner’s contract in West Ham United blow
While Garner’s contract is due to expire at the end of 2025/26, Everton do have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.
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According to The Chronicle – Newcastle have also been linked with the former England Under-21 international – the Toffees would demand a minimum fee of £20 million if indeed they trigger that extension clause.
Moyes certainly seems to believe it is only a matter of time before talks get underway regarding a potential long-term stay on the blue side of Stanley Park.
“Absolutely not. I have got no intention of letting him go,” Moyes told reporters ahead of Everton’s trip tp Manchester United on Monday.
“And, let me tell you, I don’t know where the news comes from. If I said that the phone has been ringing here and [other clubs have] been phoning about Jimmy Garner, then I would be telling you absolute lies.
“There have been no calls into my phone or anyone at the club that I know of regarding Jimmy Garner. We will obviously look to renew Jimmy’s contract when we are ready to do so.”
Eredivisie duo Ismael Saibari and Quinten Timber are West Ham targets
Speaking to Give Me Sport, reporter Ben Jacobs claimed that Nuno wants West Ham to sign a midfielder brimming with box-to-box athleticism.
Garner, one of the hardest-running, most unselfish players in the Premier League, would fit the bill, as well as providing extra cover in both full-back positions.
Hammers News can confirm that West Ham like PSV Eindhoven dynamo Ismael Saibari too. The mercurial Moroccan has scored 10 goals in 17 games this term. But while Everton are expected to hold onto Garner, PSV will likely command a fee in excess of £30 million for Saibari.
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Quinten Timber of Feyenoord may be a more attainable, affordable option. Like Garner, his contract is running down. But unlike Everton, Feyenoord do not have an extension clause up their sleeve.
Hammers News have been told, by chief football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is urging his twin brother to join him in England.
“Quinton Timber is a fascinating option emerging for a number of clubs heading into 2026,” Bailey explained. “And West Ham are one of those looking.
“I am told his brother Jurrien is pushing him to come to England, even though he has a number of options around Europe.”