Aston Villa are ready to revive their interest in James Garner, according to Pete O’Rourke.
He reports that Villa, long-term admirers of the Everton midfielder, made an approach in January and are preparing to test Everton’s resolve again as they look to add to their midfield options.
The picture at Everton has changed since then. Garner signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract at the club that same month, committing him to the Toffees until 2030.
Villa’s January approach came against that backdrop — one of several clubs, including Nottingham Forest and Newcastle, who had tracked Garner before the extension was signed.
The interest has not gone away. Garner has been one of Everton’s most consistent performers under David Moyes this season and won his first England caps during the international window, both factors that have hardened admirers’ resolve rather than softened it.
Forest’s pursuit was reported as ongoing as recently as June, with suitors said to view the contract as a mechanism to secure a fee rather than a guarantee that Garner stays.
Villa’s finances have been transformed by the British-record £117m sale of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, funds Unai Emery is expected to reinvest after losing Youri Tielemans to Manchester United.
Everton’s position remains unchanged: James Garner is not for sale, and Moyes regards him as central to his plans. Any move would need to clear a fee well north of the £35m mark reportedly required to draw serious interest from the Hill Dickinson.
