Rijo Sam Daniel
Leeds United have contacted Manchester United over a potential transfer move for James Garner
According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Leeds United have contacted Manchester United regarding a potential transfer move to sign James Garner ahead of the next season. He was on a season-long loan deal at Nottingham Forest last term, helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League after a long time.
Leeds are looking to bolster their midfield regardless of Kalvin Phillips’ potential exit in the summer transfer window. Manchester City have expressed a strong interest in signing him, but his side are hoping that he would renew his current contract and stay at least for another season.
In such a case, the Whites have turned their attention towards Old Trafford once again despite the bitter rivalry between them. They have inquired about Garner in the latter stages of the last campaign, with his value significantly increasing following the successful loan spell with Forest.
Garner must stay!
Selling the English prospect would undoubtedly cause harsh reactions from the fanbase, especially when Man United are desperate for additions in the holding midfield role. Nemanja Matic was our only natural option in that position in the previous campaign, and he is set to depart for free this summer.
Fred and Scott McTominay can play there, but their technical limitations have pretty much been highlighted when utilised in that role. The supporters would not want to see them in that position unless they are supported by a more natural option who is more suitable to be depended upon.
Garner can be that man as he has been more than impressive for the Reds last term. He has four goals and ten assists to his name during his loan spell from 49 games across all competitions. At the same time, his versatility to feature in central midfield or as an attacking midfielder has earned him plaudits during that period.
In such a case, keeping hold of the 21-year-old can be crucial to ensuring that we can also negate the effects of the departures that will take place in midfield this summer. The likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard would also leave the club ahead of the next term.
Replacing all these outgoings is difficult considering how there are problems that must be solved in other positions. As such, using academy stars who have proven their worth like Garner could be a great solution indeed as it would provide us with a solid ground to build towards a better future.
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We have already done business with the Lilywhites after selling Dan James to them, but it would be wise to first let Erik ten Hag have some time with the defensive midfielder before taking any calls. It would be a dagger in the hearts of the club if we sell Garner and he succeeds elsewhere rather than at Old Trafford.
