James Garner has been linked with a move to Newcastle and will play against them this weekend
Everton midfielder James Garner (L) has been linked with a move to Newcastle United
Everton midfielder James Garner (L) has been linked with a move to Newcastle United
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After Everton's 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, footage surfaced of England manager Thomas Tuchel embracing two Toffees stars who weren't involved in his last Three Lions squad.
One of those players wasn't the biggest surprise. Jack Grealish has been in and out of the England squad and his form on Merseyside this season should mean he is on Tuchel's radar ahead of next summer's World Cup.
But the other was James Garner, who has taken a giant stride forward in his career this season with his performances in Everton's midfield.
The former Manchester United youngster has been at Everton for over three seasons now but it is only really this season people are beginning to take notice of his performances.
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Everton boss David Moyes called for him to be in England consideration earlier this month and his public chat with Tuchel would suggest he is firmly on his radar.
Garner, who can play as a right-back, too, was part of the England under-21 side alongside Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon who won the European Championships in 2023.
He is out of contract next summer but Everton do have an option to trigger a further year extension. Nonetheless, his contract situation, and his good form this season, has seen Garner attracting glances from elsewhere.
And one of those admiring glances is from Newcastle. Chronicle Live understands the Magpies have checked out the 24-year-old but no serious talks have taken place between the two clubs.
A fee of over £20million is thought to be needed to prise Garner away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium and, as luck would have it, Newcastle are set to make their first visit to Everton's new stadium on Saturday evening.
The Magpies currently have six midfield options but they have also been linked with AZ Alkmaar's teenage star Kees Smit and they are monitoring potential new midfield options.
Should they sign a new midfielder, one of their current options would have to leave and reports this week have suggested Joe Willock is a target for Crystal Palace.
Joe Willock of Newcastle and Leonardo Balerdi of Marseille
Joe Willock of Newcastle and Leonardo Balerdi of Marseille
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If Garner is a serious option for Newcastle then Eddie Howe and the club's decision makers will get a very close look at him this weekend when he lines up against the Magpies on Saturday.
Newcastle will hope he doesn't play too well as they go in search of their first away win in the Premier League this season but, ultimately, it could serve as a transfer audition for the former Nottingham Forest midfielder.