Liverpool are reportedly interested in stunning the Premier League and signing Everton and England midfielder James Garner this summer.
The Reds’ midfield has to be strengthened when the season comes to an end, with a lack of form and legs on show there of late, especially with regards to Alexis Mac Allister.
A host of names have been linked with joining Liverpool in the summer window, and now, one of the most intriguing reports of recent times has emerged.
According to an update from Spain [via Caught Offside], the Premier League champions are keen on signing in-form Garner from Merseyside rivals Everton later this year.
They are willing to pay £60.6m for the the 25-year-old’s signature, with his stock arguably never higher, having impressed for England in their 1-1 draw at home to Uruguay on Friday night.
Could Liverpool actually sign James Garner this summer?
Liverpool signing Garner would reverberate across the English game, given their rivalry with Everton and the fact they haven’t snapped up anyone from the Blues since Nick Barmby back in 2000.
Garner ticks lots of boxes for the Reds, though, possessing energy in the middle of the park, and being lauded by Thomas Tuchel and compared to Real Madrid star Federico Valverde recently:
“I’m very happy [with Garner] — he’s our mini Valverde. 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.”
That said, it is extremely difficult to see Everton sanctioning a move for Garner, not least because they need to save face and not allow their adversaries to sign one of their most influential players this season.
The Englishman is a player coming into his peak years – he has averaged three tackles per game in the league this season – and there is every chance that he gets a move away in the summer window, especially if he shines at the 2026 World Cup.
As things stand, though, it would be an almighty shock if Garner was in a Liverpool shirt any time soon, but Three Lions teammates Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton could be more viable options.