Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing James Garner who could be sold by Manchester United for a fee of around £15-20 million.
According to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, Manchester United have decided to sell academy graduate James Garner in the ongoing transfer window, with Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs showing an interest in him.
Garner is a product of the Manchester United youth setup, having been on the club’s books since 2009. Having risen through the ranks, the 21-year-old made his senior debut for the Red Devils in 2019 under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Since then, he has made six more first-team appearances and has spent the last two seasons on loan.
Garner spent the first half of the 2020/21 campaign at Watford before joining Nottingham Forest for the second part. Having impressed at the City Grounds, the 21-year-old returned to the club last summer and spent the entire 2021/22 season, playing an integral part in their promotion to the Premier League.
Back at Old Trafford, Garner does not seem to be a part of new manager Erik ten Hag’s plans despite Manchester United’s major issues in their midfield department. The 21-year-old, thus, could be on his way out this summer, with a permanent move away on the cards. Nottingham Forest have shown an interest in the Englishman, but Tottenham have joined the hunt for Garner’s signing.
Tottenham have strengthened their midfield department significantly over the past couple of transfer windows, signing Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma. But, with Giovani Lo Celso departing to Villarreal and Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks on their way out, another midfield addition could be welcome at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham have been looking to add a more creative presence in the centre of the park, having targeted the likes of James Maddison and Nicolo Zaniolo. However, Garner has now emerged as an alternative for the north Londoners. And even though he is not exactly a like-for-like Plan B, the 21-year-old showed his creative chops last season as he managed ten assists for Nottingham Forest, along with his four goals.
Garner has a contract with Manchester United that runs until 2024, with the club retaining the option of extending it by another year. However, the Red Devils have decided to sell their academy man and could demand a sum in the range of £15-20 million for the young Englishman.
Whether Tottenham are ready to take their interest in the Manchester United prospect and make a formal approach to secure his services will be interesting to see.
