Man Utd interest forces Premier League club to ‘step up contract’ talks with in-demand player ahead of 2026 release | OneFootball

Everton are doing their utmost to persuade James Garner to commit his long-term future to the club amid growing Premier League interest.

Indeed, the Toffees star is being shortlisted by a host of top-flight sides due to his deal, as things stand, expiring in June 2026.

Manchester United mull over James Garner reunion

Garner was back in M16 on Monday night. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Among Garner’s suitors heading into the New Year is his former club Manchester United, where he spent 13 years of his youth and senior career before completing a £15 million switch to Goodison Park in 2022.

The Carrington graduate made only seven senior appearances for United, starting with his first-team debut in a 3-1 away win to Crystal Palace in February 2019.

Most notably, he enjoyed successful loan spells with Nottingham Forest and played an integral role in the East Midlands outfit returning to the top flight in 2022 following a 23-year wait.

He then chose to test himself in a new environment for the 2022/2023 campaign when opting for a move to Everton, with United conceding Garner wouldn’t be granted enough minutes to warrant him staying at Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old has since racked up 86 league appearances in blue. This term, he’s started all 12 of the opening fixtures.

*Garner in the Premier League this campaign, as per FotMob

Everton working on new deal for Garner

He’s retained a key role under David Moyes. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

According to talkSPORT, Everton are ‘stepping up’ their contract talks with the Birkenhead-born star in hopes of fending off outside interest.

United, Aston Villa and Forest are all keen on adding him to their ranks as a free agent in seven months’ time.

Yet, sources insist David Moyes has closed off the prospect of losing Garner and does not want to see him depart under any circumstances.

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