Richard Hughes wants to pinch £60m England star from Everton | OneFootball

Liverpool may well take steps to improve their midfield in the summer transfer window.

Arne Slot has been getting diminishing returns from some of his Premier League title-winning options. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have been a long way beneath their consistent best while Wataru Endo is on the sidelines with a serious injury.

Factor in an uncertain contract situation for Curtis Jones - out of contract in 2027 and no sign of a renewal on the table - and you can see why the Reds need midfielders.

There may well be an opportunity to pinch a player who’s played for Manchester United AND Everton in the top flight - in the shape of James Garner.

Liverpool interested in £60m-rated Garner

The 25-year-old Toffeeman has been in impressive form for David Moyes’ side this season - excelling in a central midfield role and capable of filling in at full-back when required.

Garner’s all-action style has won him notice from Thomas Tuchel - who has added him to the England squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

According to a report in Fichajes Liverpool are interested in adding Garner to their squad this summer - and the report also touches on interest from Real Madrid.

Garner is under contract until 2030 at Everton and it could take a bid of around £60m to take him from the Reds’ Merseyside rivals.

Born in Birkenhead Garner was a Manchester United youth player from the age of 8 - later becoming part of the first-team picture and even playing in the Premier League.

He earned his stripes out on loan in the Championship before moving to Everton in 2022 for around £9m.

Garner has since grown into an accomplished Premier League performer and his qualities have now attracted the attentions of the big boys - Liverpool included.

James Garner: Situation summary

James Garner is now tied down at Everton until June 2030 after signing a new four-and-a-half-year deal in January 2026, reflecting his status as a core part of David Moyes’ plans.

That contract, plus his importance and home‑grown profile, means Everton see him as a long-term pillar rather than someone available for sale, and any suitors – notably a still-interested Manchester United – would need to pay a premium to even start a conversation.

On the pitch, 2025‑26 is his best season yet: he has already surpassed last year’s Premier League minutes and has improved both his goals and assists, sitting on two goals and three assists in the league while leading Everton in key defensive and creative metrics.

Data has him averaging career‑high touches and passes per 90, with strong tackle and interception numbers and a high pass-completion rate, underpinning the sense that he is one of the division’s more influential midfielders this year.

Stylistically he is a versatile, high‑intensity midfielder who can operate as a No.8, deeper controller or even fill in at full-back, progressing play with sharp passing from central and right-half spaces while offering work-rate, pressing and positional discipline out of possession.