Report: Newcastle United ready to move for £20m Everton star | OneFootball

Everton’s James Garner Attracts Newcastle Interest Amid Contract Extension Revelation

Newcastle United have shown interest in Everton midfielder James Garner, yet any immediate move appears unlikely after a surprise twist in his contract situation, as reported by Goodison News. The 24-year-old has been in fine form under David Moyes and has emerged as one of Everton’s most influential players this season.

Contract Twist Strengthens Everton’s Hand

Garner’s current deal was thought to expire in June 2026, but according to Goodison News, Everton have an option to extend it by a further 12 months. This revelation effectively ties him to the club until 2027, protecting the Toffees from losing one of their key midfielders on a free transfer.

“Newcastle are interested in signing Garner following his impressive performances for the Toffees over the past year,” the report noted. However, Chronicle Live added that a move is “unlikely in the next few transfer windows as Garner is believed to have an extra year option on his current deal.”

That clause has a major impact on his valuation, with any club now expected to pay over £20million to tempt Everton into a sale. Given the player’s form and age, that figure still seems modest for a midfielder whose influence has grown week by week.

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Moyes’ Midfield Balance Paying Off

Under David Moyes, Garner has flourished into a consistent Premier League performer. His blend of composure, passing accuracy and tactical awareness has helped Everton stabilise in a season of transition.

In Everton’s 2-0 win over Brighton, he produced a stunning long-range strike in their first match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, underlining his growing confidence. His Premier League numbers this season highlight his all-round game: 11 appearances, one goal, one assist, 88% pass accuracy, 11 chances created, 28 tackles and 47 ground duels won.

Garner’s partnership with Idrissa Gana Gueye has been pivotal. As Goodison News put it, “Gueye’s late runs into the box have allowed Garner to have more time on the ball and pick the right pass to start attacks.” It’s a balance that has given Moyes’ side both stability and creativity from deep positions.

Everton Must Protect Their Core

“Extending his option by a further year is clearly a no-brainer to fend off interest from the likes of Newcastle and others,” the report concluded, and it is hard to disagree. With Friedkin’s investment plans still unfolding and recruitment priorities under review, Everton cannot afford to lose the heartbeat of their midfield.

At 24, Garner has room to grow further and represents the type of player around whom Moyes can continue to build. Retaining his services not only maintains on-field quality but also signals ambition and stability to supporters wary of another rebuild.

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Everton fans will see this news as both reassuring and unsettling. On one hand, confirmation that James Garner’s deal can be extended until 2027 gives hope that the club will not repeat past mistakes of losing key players too cheaply. On the other, interest from Newcastle United is a reminder that consistent performances inevitably attract attention.

Supporters understand what Garner brings — his energy, passing and leadership make him one of Moyes’ most reliable assets. The worry is not so much about losing him immediately but whether the club hierarchy will act swiftly to exercise that contract option and secure his long-term commitment.

With Friedkin’s plans for Everton still under scrutiny and transfer budgets reportedly affected by external factors, fans are desperate for assurance that players like Garner will form the foundation of the rebuild. As one might imagine many saying, “If Moyes wants a team that fights, you start by keeping lads like Garner who do it every week.”

For now, the focus should be on tying him down, backing Moyes and proving that Everton have learned from the instability of past seasons.