Leeds are reportedly interested in raiding bitter rivals Manchester United for midfielder James Garner as he continually shines on loan at Nottingham Forest – and Bruno Fernandes’ verdict has got to put Leeds on red alert.
Garner, 21, joined Forest in January 2021 on loan and has spent the last 18 months at the club – clocking up 56 appearances in all competitions in that time. He has been a rock in midfield, even having a hand in 13 goals.
Such form has caught the eye of Leeds. Phil Hay confirmed on The Athletic that Garner – who has since won two England Under-21 caps – has been mentioned in transfer meetings at Elland Road. He has a deal until 2024.
Holding a Q&A session on his Twitter page after signing a new contract at Manchester United, Old Trafford favourite Fernandes was asked which player excites him from the United academy – and he picked Garner.
Fernandes on Garner: Plenty of excitement around Leeds target
Ask most Nottingham Forest fans, and they will tell you that they are desperate to re-sign him this summer. But the only chance of that happening seems to be if Forest can pull of a shock play-off promotion.
But the verdict given by Fernandes is an exciting one. United boast numerous academy stars, plenty of players with huge potential. So for Fernandes to pick Garner is a real statement regarding the midfielder.
Leeds desperately need a midfielder. They tried to get Brenden Aaronson in January and are expected to go back in in the summer. But signing Garner is not only important to fill a void – but for the future, too.
Adam Forshaw, Mateusz Klich and Stuart Dallas are all in their thirties. Leeds need to freshen things up and getting a player a decade younger, with huge potential, is one they simply cannot pass up.
Bruno’s claim has got to put Leeds on red alert, and sign Garner.
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