Leeds United are reportedly interested in Manchester United talent James Garner, who is enjoying a second productive season on loan with Championship side Nottingham Forest.
According to the Sun, the Whites are tracking the England youth international ahead of a potential summer move, with Southampton also noted as an interested party for Garner, who is viewed as one of the top academy graduates currently coming through at Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old has a long-term contract at United, though, which could make any Leeds deal for Garner a tough one to pull off, with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer comparing the midfielder to five-time United hero Michael Carrick.
Despite his approval at United and the rivalry, Jesse Marsch’s side look set to make a move for Garner if the American can keep the Yorkshire giants in the Premier League this season.
As per the report, a loan move is extremely possible, yet Leeds are more open to an outright transfer, with the club doing something similar last summer for Dan James, who made the move from United to Leeds after years of chasing from Marcelo Bielsa.
Garner at Leeds under Marsch could be a match made in heaven
With Leeds looking thin on a midfielder who can create chances as well as take set-pieces, Garner could be an ideal option this summer given his success in the Championship and his reputation at United.
Even more so, Marsch’s commitment to developing youth as he has done at the likes of the New York Red Bulls and RB Salzburg has seen some of the world’s best players come to life, namely Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
And for Marsch and Leeds, Garner could be a player who could develop into a fine Premier League talent if the White can maintain their status in the top-flight and strike a deal with United for one of their top academy graduates.
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