Manchester United are actively tracking the contract situation of their former academy graduate, James Garner, at Everton, as the club faces a deepening midfield crisis that could force early transfer action.
Midfield Overhaul Planned Amidst Injury Crisis
The Red Devils are mapping out plans for a significant summer rebuild in central midfield, with the long-term futures of several key players under scrutiny. Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Manuel Ugarte all have question marks over their positions, while academy prospect Toby Collyer's development path is also being assessed.
This planning has taken on new urgency due to a severe shortage of fit midfielders. The situation became starkly evident last weekend when centre-back Lisandro Martinez was deployed in midfield off the bench against Aston Villa. With Fernandes and Mainoo currently sidelined through injury, manager Ruben Amorim has admitted the squad is "short" and has not ruled out January signings.
Garner Emerges as a Prime January Target
According to sources, conversations about recruiting a midfielder have intensified in recent weeks, with James Garner's name rising up United's list of potential additions. The 24-year-old is entering the final six months of his current deal at Goodison Park, though Everton hold a 12-month option.
Everton are understood to be in active negotiations to secure Garner on a new long-term contract, with a desire to resolve his future before the January window opens next week. However, no significant breakthrough has been reported, putting United on alert.
Garner, who joined United at Under-8 level and made his first-team debut aged 17 against Crystal Palace, is viewed as an affordable and strategic signing. He could provide immediate depth, allowing the club to focus its more substantial spending in the summer on primary targets like Newcastle's Elliot Anderson.
Domino Effect Expected in January Window
United's activity next month is expected to create a domino effect within the squad. Amorim has made it clear that no player will be allowed to depart unless a suitable replacement arrives first. This policy directly impacts players like Kobbie Mainoo, who is reportedly keen on a loan move to Napoli, and Joshua Zirkzee, who is attracting Italian interest as he seeks more game time ahead of the World Cup.
"It's going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don't get a substitution," Amorim stated bluntly. "We are short. Even with the full squad we are short for something that can happen."
Garner's recent performance in Everton's victory at Old Trafford, where he impressed watching England manager Thomas Tuchel, has only heightened his profile. With part of United's planned midfield rebuild potentially being brought forward to January, a return to his boyhood club could be on the cards for the talented midfielder.
