Aston Villa have set their sights on an "absolutely sensational" England international, with Unai Emery keen to bolster his squad this summer.
Villa eyeing new midfielder amid Morgan Rogers uncertainty
Villa may need to strengthen their options in the engine room at the end of the season, given that Morgan Rogers' future remains up in the air, with it recently being revealed the attacking midfielder has decided to move on this summer.
Rogers has been attracting interest from a plethora of Premier League clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester United said to be on high alert, and there is an understanding the Villans will sanction a departure if a big offer is tabled.
It is no surprise the 23-year-old, who pockets £30k-a-week, is in demand, having picked up eight goals and five assists in the Premier League this season, and England boss Thomas Tuchel could have a selection dilemma on his hands at the World Cup in June.
Rogers has forced his way into Tuchel's plans, most recently featuring in the 1-0 defeat against Japan, and he isn't the only midfielder giving the German something to think about.
Tuchel favourite now being targeted by Villa
According to Mick Brown, Aston Villa are now plotting a move for Everton midfielder James Garner, with the former scout telling Football Insider: "Aston Villa were spoken about when there was the possibility of him leaving Everton for free, and I’m told they were keeping an eye on the situation.
"Obviously, he ended up signing a new contract at Everton, but the interest is still there. They will have watched him closely when he played for England, and by all accounts, he was very impressive in that game and did well for himself."
Brown also added: "We all know the situation Villa are in, so they could be priced out of a move, but Emery wants to add to his team and Garner would be a good option."
james-garner-everton
Tuchel is clearly a big fan of the Birkenhead-born midfielder, saying after he made his England debut in the recent 1-1 draw against Uruguay: "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."
Not only has the Englishman caught the eye at international level, but he has also been a key player for Everton, chipping in with two goals and six assists in 31 Premier League outings.
Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu celebrates scoring their first goal with Manchester United's Diogo Dalot, Manchester United's Luke Shaw and Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte Related
Aston Villa storm into race to sign £120k-a-week star who's now pushing to leave Man Utd
The Villans have joined the race for a "magnificent" player.
No Everton player has created more Premier League goals than Garner, who also leads the way for average interceptions per 90 (1.6), which suggests he is a well-rounded midfielder, who is ready to test himself at a club competing in Europe.