Aston Villa are understood to be eyeing a summer move to sign Everton star James Garner after his impressive form this season, according to Football lnsider.
The Villans have had a strong season after the disappointment of finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, and currently sit fourth in the table as they push to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Unai Emery is keen to strengthen the squad and ensure that the team builds upon what has been a good campaign, and the club have identified the England international as someone who could come in and help them bolster the side.
Aston Villa Want Garner
James Garner
Garner, who has been described as a 'mini Valverde' and someone who is a 'marquee franchise player', has been one of the standout players at the Hill Dickinson Stadium so far this season.
The Toffees are pushing to qualify for Europe, and currently sit just three points behind local rivals Liverpool, who occupy the fifth and final Champions League spot with seven games remaining in the season.
The 25-year-old was due to be out of contract at the end of the season, but while he recently signed a new long-term deal with the Merseyside club, that hasn't stopped clubs eyeing up a potential summer deal.
Villa are said to have been watching Garner closely this season and have made advances about a potential deal, however, Everton have absolutely no intention of entering into any negotiations for him to leave. It would only take an 'irrefutable offer' to make them consider changing their stance.
Everton feel that their own aspirations and hopes are aligned with what Garner wants, and selling him is not in their minds. They are not fazed by Aston Villa's interest, and are confident that they will be able to make strides themselves to help the midfielder play at the highest level possible.
Aston Villa Must Strengthen Despite Finances
Unai Emery
Aston Villa are known to have some financial difficulties at the moment, and that may well stop them from being able to do all of the transfer business they want to do.
But if they are going to be consistently competing at the highest level then they need to find a way to correct that and strengthen, and especially this summer.
A move for Garner seems highly unlikely with his new contract and Everton's stance, but it's evident that they know they need more quality in the squad next season, and it will be interesting to see how they react in the market.
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