- James Garner put up a solid display on his England debut, prompting Thomas Tuchel to compare him with Valverde
- James Garner has started 34 games this season for Everton in all competitions
James Garner got his first senior England cap during the international break. It has done more than just boost his personal profile. It has also reignited transfer interest from Premier League rivals. According to former West Ham scout Mick Brown, Nottingham Forest have tracked the 25-year-old for months and remain unfazed by his recent contract extension at Goodison Park.
James Garner signed a new deal with Everton in January, committing his future to the club until 2030. But Brown suggests that the move was tactical to prevent Everton from losing him for free and to ensure a significant fee if he does leave. Forest’s original plan to sign him on a free transfer is now dead, but their interest remains strong.
Brown: ‘Interest in Garner certainly hasn’t gone away’
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown explained Forest’s continued admiration for the Everton midfielder.
“Interest in Garner certainly hasn’t gone away,” Brown said. “Nottingham Forest have been looking at him for a while, and they’ve decided he’s got the attributes and quality they want to add to their team.”
Mick Brown noted that James Garner’s England performance only strengthened Nottingham’s conviction. “They will have watched him closely when he played for England, and by all accounts, he was very impressive in that game and did well for himself.”
Brown acknowledged that Garner’s new contract makes a deal more complicated. “He obviously signed a new contract at Everton not long ago, so it will take a lot to get him out, so it depends on what Forest are willing to spend.”
He added: “But it was mainly to stop him leaving on a free transfer to somebody like Forest, and to make sure that if he is going to go, they get a fee for him. So I don’t think Forest will be put off by his contract; they are interested in him and believe he would bring a lot to their midfield, so I can see them making a move.”
Why Everton should shut the door
James Garner has been outstanding this season. In 34 appearances, starting all, he has scored three goals and provided six assists, in the heart of David Moyes’ midfield.
With Idrissa Gueye ageing and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall offering a different profile, Everton have no one else who can anchor the midfield while also sparking the attack. Selling James Garner to Nottingham Forest would be a massive step backwards for a club finally projecting ambition under The Friedkin Group and settling into Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton hold all the cards. James Garner is under contract until 2030. Unless an irresistible bid north of £35m arrives, the Toffees should shut the door early. Letting this linger through the summer only serves to unsettle a squad finally finding its feet and targeting Europe.
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