Manchester United have seen links with a top midfield target resurface.placeholder image
Manchester United have seen links with a top midfield target resurface. | Getty Images
Man United have seen links with a major midfield signing resurface ahead of the summer
Manchester United are continuing to assess potential transfer targets ahead of the summer as the Red Devils look to carry on rebuilding their squad in key areas.
More than £200million was spent last summer, with upgrading the forward line made a priority in the hope of bringing European football back to Old Trafford. With the club sat in third place in the Premier League and closing in on a return to the Champions League after a two-year absence, it appears as though that goal will be realised.
Strengthening in the midfield area has been earmarked as a top priority for the upcoming summer window. With veteran Casemiro set to depart upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season, two top-quality midfielders are believed to be on the wish-list. The likes of Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali have been frequently touted, while another Premier League target has seen links resurface.
Man United keen to secure James Garner homecoming
According to reports by Sportsboom, Man United remain firmly interested in sealing a homecoming for former player James Garner, who is shining for Everton and recently made his senior England debut against Uruguay on Friday night.
The 25-year-old started in the friendly at Wembley and was one of the stand-out performers for Thomas Tuchel’s side in the eventual 1-1 draw, which saw Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo also feature for the Three Lions, while Manuel Ugarte could have been sent off for Uruguay.
A summer move for Garner is viewed as ‘unlikely’ considering he recently signed a new four-year deal at Hill Dickinson Stadium in January, shutting down rumours that United could make a mid-season swoop. But the Red Devils remain interested despite this and club scouts have told INEOS to target a move, viewing the midfielder as a ‘leadership’ option when it comes to adding a homegrown No.8 to their squad this summer.
There was no buy-back clause inserted when the Red Devils sold their academy graduate to Everton for just £9m in 2022, following 13 years at the club. The Toffees are expected to demand between £50m-£55m for their prize asset if United or rival suitors do come calling for the ‘marquee franchise player’ at the end of the season.
Garner is ‘our mini Valverde’ - Tuchel
England manager Tuchel sung the praises of Garner following his Three Lions debut at Wembley, comparing him to Real Madrid and Uruguay hero Federico Valverde, who recently scored a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League last 16.
"I'm very happy [with Garner] – he's our mini Valverde," Tuchel said. "He's getting there, and he played very, very good. I was quite sure that he will play good because he has this natural confidence and he's just very physical. He won a lot of balls."
Sportsboom’s report on Garner continues that the 2001-born midfielder is amongst the Premier League’s best when it comes to possession won, interceptions and tactical discipline, while his vocal organisation of the defensive line during set-pieces is seen as an ‘elite trait’. With these attributes and more, in addition to his long-term affinity with the Red Devils, it comes as no surprise that United remain interested in a move as Garner continues to increase his profile on both the club and international stage.
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