Rangers are keen to sign James Garner this summer but Nottingham Forest team-mate Tyler Blackett wants to see the Manchester United loanee stay at the City Ground, speaking to the club’s official website.
After he failed to make an impact at Watford during the first half of the season, expectations were understandably low when Garner swapped Vicarage Road for the two-time European Champions during the January transfer window.
But while Watford never looked like getting the best out of the 20-year-old, Nottingham Forest have certainly succeeded where the Hornets failed.
With three goals in his last nine games, the gifted Garner has impressed in a more advanced midfield role under Chris Hughton.
His new-found form, however, is something of a double-edged sword. With every eye-catching display, Forest’s chances of keeping Garner for another year decrease.
Agent Steven Beck admitted last week, via Stretty News, that Rangers, Brighton and Championship leaders Norwich City are all ‘really keen’ on the Old Trafford academy graduate.
Though Blackett has not given up hope of playing alongside his one-time Man United team-mate next season too.
“Hopefully (he stays),” Blackett says.
“We want the best players here. Jimmy is one of our best players. Hopefully he’ll still be here.”
A move to Ibrox would see Garner link up with his idol, the former Liverpool captain-turned Scottish Premiership winner Steven Gerrard.
The Sun, however, suggests that Man United are planning to send Garner to a club in mainland Europe next term, potentially snookering the hopes of Rangers, Norwich, Brighton and Nottingham Forest (11 April, page 67).
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