Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy cannot believe Manchester United could be about to let James Garner join Everton in a £15 million deal this week, speaking to talkSPORT (31 August, 11am).
Whisper it, but an Everton side who would make Barcelona’s recruitment policy look sensible and considered during most of the Farhad Moshiri era appear to have found themselves enjoying in a bit of a purple patch, as far as the transfer market is concerned.
Their most impressive performers during Tuesday’s hard-fought 1-1 draw at Leeds United – James Tarkowski, Conor Coady, Amadou Onana and the dogged Nathan Patterson – all joined the Toffees since the turn of the year.
And Garner, a potential £15 million arrival, looks the perfect foil for Onana in Frank Lampard’s new-look Goodison Park engine room; physicality meets finesse.
According to The Athletic, a return to Merseyside is edging ever closer for the Birkenhead-born set-piece specialist. Everton are fighting off competition from Southampton and Leicester City. A Nottingham Forest side who took Garner on loan during an excellent 2021/22 season are also keen.
Manchester United set to sell James Garner to Everton
And Murphy, like many Old Trafford matchgoers, cannot believe a Man United side light on midfield depth would allow an academy graduate of such talent and potential to go.
“I am surprised,” says the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England man.
“He had a terrific season (at Nottingham Forest). He can play holding, box-to-box, he’s technical and can score a goal. I’m really surprised (United are letting him go).”
Garner has not played a minute of Premier League football under Erik ten Hag this season. The England U21 international wasn’t even in the matchday squad for the victories over Liverpool and Southampton.
“James Garner’s deliveries remind me of David Beckham’s,” former Man City winger Trevor Sinclair tells talkSPORT.
“He’s got that dip and that whip and it causes so many problems. The pace on the ball, he’s putting it on a sixpence every time. It’s an absolutely phenomenal cross that he’s got in the locker.”
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