According to the Manchester Evening News, Southampton lead the race to sign Tottenham, Everton and Nottingham Forest target James Garner.
What’s the story?
Well, Manchester United have decided to sell the 21-year-old as they aim to offload fringe players, with the England Under-21 international valued between £15m and £20m at Old Trafford.
After hearing of his availability, Tottenham submitted a bid for the England Under-21 international, which was rejected by the Red Devils.
Now, however, it is Southampton who front the queue to sign Garner.
The Saints have adopted a recruitment strategy which sees gems from the Premier League’s elite signed on permanent deals at the St Mary’s Stadium, such as Tino Livramento, Romeo Lavia and Gavin Bazunu.
In our view, that is the reason why they lead the race for Garner, despite the fact the Manchester Evening News do not disclose why Ralph Hasenhuttl is ahead of Antonio Conte, Frank Lampard and Steve Cooper in this transfer battle.
The Manchester United No.37 put his name up in lights last term during a season-long loan at Nottingham Forest, making 49 appearances as he helped Cooper bring Premier League football to the City Ground.
Forget Tottenham, Everton & Nottingham Forest – Southampton can help Garner thrive
In our view, Southampton would be the best place for Garner to develop.
As aforesaid, Hasenhuttl and his bosses are showing real faith in the best Under-23 talent from elite Premier League academies, splashing out significant fees and handing them first-team opportunities.
For example, Southampton spent £10.5m to sign Lavia from Manchester City before he’d even played a single second of Premier League football – the same goes for Bazunu, who the Saints paid £12m for.
They also made a £16m bid for Manchester City wonderkid Liam Delap, so if Garner does end up on the south coast, we’re confident that every ounce of his potential will be squeezed out.
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