James Garner: Man United pushing to re-sign former academy star from Everton | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim could turn to Manchester United’s academy amid a midfield crisis at Old Trafford. 

Amorim has not started any academy player in the Premier League this season. However, with Bruno Fernandes set for a spell on the sidelines and Manuel Ugarte struggling for form, the Portuguese tactician is left with little choice.

Kobbie Mainoo is the most experienced of the lot. Jack Fletcher, 18, has emerged as another strong option, having made his senior debut against Aston Villa last week. 

Heading into the winter transfer window, the club’s hierarchy are reportedly exploring the possibility of handing Amorim another United academy graduate, who is currently on the books of their Premier League rivals.

Manchester United plotting January move for James Garner

According to the Daily Mail, United are “paying close attention” to James Garner’s situation at Everton. 

It is understood Garner is a name that is “rising up” on the club’s list as they consider a potential midfield addition in January.  “Conversations around adding a midfielder have intensified in recent weeks,” the report reads.

Garner is viewed as an affordable addition, as he is entering the final six months of his contract in Merseyside. In 2022, the 24-year-old joined the Toffees from United in a deal worth around £15m after making his first-team debut aged 17.

The “terrific” midfielder has become a mainstay in David Moyes’ midfield, owing to his calmness in possession and dribbling threat. He delivered a resilient display against his former club in November, helping ten-man Everton pick all three points. 

Everton are eager to renew the Englishman’s contract, but there has not been “a significant breakthrough in those talks.” 

Man United to pursue dream midfield target next summer

It is claimed that United are facing “the prospect of totally overhauling central midfield in the summer” as there are question marks over the long term futures of Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Fernandes, Mainoo and Ugarte.

Mainoo, in particular, is keen on a loan move to Napoli in January. However, no player would be “allowed to leave unless replacements can arrive.” 

Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is thought to be United’s top midfield target.

However, INEOS are expected to wait until next summer to make a move for the England international. Forest are likely to demand in excess of £100m for Anderson.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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