Former PL Scout Tips Nottingham Forest To Sign This Everton Star: Can The Toffees Afford To Sell Him? | OneFootball

James Garner’s first senior England cap under Thomas Tuchel, earned during a 1-1 draw with Uruguay, has officially reignited a transfer saga that never truly went cold. According to former West Ham scout Mick Brown, Nottingham Forest have tracked the 25-year-old for months and remain unfazed by his recent contract extension at Goodison Park.

Forest see Garner as the ideal engine-room upgrade. While Everton tied him down until 2030 this past January, Brown suggests that the move was purely tactical. It was a way for the Toffees to avoid losing him for free and ensure a massive payday. Forest’s original plan to sign him for nothing is dead; now, Vitor Pereira’s side must decide exactly how much they are willing to cough up.

“Interest in Garner certainly hasn’t gone away,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Nottingham Forest have been looking at him for a while, and they’ve decided he’s got the attributes and quality they want to add to their team.

“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.

“He obviously signed a new contract at Everton not long ago, so it will take a lot to get him out, so it depends on what Forest are willing to spend.

“But it was mainly to stop him leaving on a free transfer to somebody like Forest, and to make sure that if he is going to go, they get a fee for him.

“So I don’t think Forest will be put off by his contract; they are interested in him and believe he would bring a lot to their midfield, so I can see them making a move.”

Can Everton afford to sell their midfield anchor?

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: James Garner of Everton inspects the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton at Amex Stadium on January 31, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

The usual narrative focuses on a simple buy vs. sell battle, but that ignores Everton’s current trajectory. Sitting in mid-table and settling into the Hill Dickinson Stadium under David Moyes’ leadership and Friedkin Group ownership, the club are finally trying to project ambition. Selling Garner now would gut that project.

His stats this season are elite, with 31 appearances, 2 goals, and 6 assists with an 88% pass completion rate. He ranks in the top 7% of the league for expected assists and maintains a 7.48 average rating. These aren’t just good numbers; they are the marks of a player who dictates the team’s entire rhythm.

Garner excels at reading the game and hitting line-breaking passes, though he could still improve his goal tally and discipline, given his seven yellow cards. However, his work rate and technical composure are currently irreplaceable at Everton. With Idrissa Gueye ageing and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall offering a different profile, Moyes has no one else who can anchor the midfield while sparking the attack.

So, selling to Forest would be a massive step backwards. With Garner under contract until 2030, Everton hold all the cards. Unless an irresistible bid north of £35 million arrives, the Toffees should shut the door early. Letting this linger through the summer only serves to unsettle a squad finally finding their feet.