Leeds United have reportedly lodged enquiries with Manchester United over the availability of midfielder James Garner in the summer transfer window.
According to The Athletic, Leeds United are plotting a raid on arch-rivals Manchester United for the signing of midfield prodigy James Garner this summer and have submitted an enquiry for the 21-year-old already.
Garner came through the youth ranks at Manchester United and made his senior debut for the Red Devils in 2019. He made a handful of appearances for the first team before being loaned out to Watford in the summer of 2020. The youngster spent six months with the Hornets before returning to Old Trafford, following which he joined Nottingham Forest for the second half of the 2020/21 season.
Garner returned to Forest last summer and became an integral part of the side as they won the EFL Championship playoffs to earn promotion to the Premier League. The youngster made 49 appearances across all competitions, even chipping in with four goals and ten assists, making a big impression.
Now set to return to Manchester United, Garner is attracting plenty of interest from clubs in the Premier League ahead of the summer window. Everton and Leicester City are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old Englishman, with Leeds United also entering the fray to sign him up before next season.
Leeds United have had their eyes on Garner for some time now. And they have decided to act on that interest by submitting an enquiry for the 21-year-old Manchester United starlet during the second half of the recently-concluded campaign.
Leeds United managed to keep their Premier League status by the skin of their teeth thanks to a win on the final matchday. Having stayed afloat in the top-flight, manager Jesse Marsch is already planning for the next season, with the Whites having already added Brenden Aaronson to their roster.
However, another midfield addition would be welcome at Elland Road as Kalvin Phillips continues to be linked with an exit. At the same time, Adam Forshaw’s injury issues are a cause for concern, while Mateusz Klich’s form has declined rapidly. So, a new midfielder would be a well-advised signing for Leeds United.
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Considering Marsch’s proven track record of working with youngsters, a player like Garner, who is filled with immense potential, can prove to be a shrewd purchase. But, given the rising interest in him and Manchester United’s own midfield problems, it remains to be seen if a move can materialise in the summer.
