Newcastle United Are Eyeing Up a Move For 24-Year-Old Defensive Midfielder: Is He a Good Option? | OneFootball

Newcastle United have started to prepare a move for James Garner with the winter window approaching, and the links surfaced after journalist Ekrem Konur suggested that the Everton midfielder has attracted interest from both the Magpies and West Ham.

Newcastle United are eyeing up a move for James Garner

In addition, the situation around Garner has taken another turn because he sits in the final months of his contract, and he has shown little desire to extend his stay at Goodison Park. As a result, the possibility of a mid-season deal has begun to look realistic for clubs searching for midfield depth.

Garner came through Manchester United’s academy before stepping into their senior squad in 2020, and although he gained promising reviews during his loan spells, he eventually chose a permanent switch to Everton in 2022.

Since then, the English defensive midfielder has received a consistent role in their midfield and featured in 97 matches, and he chipped in with a handful of goals along the way. He has also covered multiple roles in the centre of the pitch, even though he prefers the deeper position, and that versatility has kept him high on the team sheet.

Because of this, Garner’s contract impasse has encouraged interest from other clubs, and the prospect of a free transfer next summer has only pushed clubs to pay even closer attention. In other reports, Newcastle United are competing hard for Angers SCO forward Sidiki Chérif.

Will he be a good option for the Magpies?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: James Garner of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 29, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

James Garner built his career on his versatility and an ability to move between roles without fuss. This same flexibility turns him into a useful comparison for Newcastle United as they look for a decisive move for the Everton midfielder.

Meanwhile, the Magpies need players who slot in without noise, and Garner fits that requirement through his passing range, his willingness to cover ground, and his simple, accurate passing.

However, the situation will change a bit because the Englishman will not leap past Bruno Guimarães or Joelinton, and he instead strengthens the bench rather than the starting group. Even so, Garner remains a strong option because dependable players often help push a team through close campaigns. However, he may not choose a club that will offer him a bench role.