Aheed Abrar
Leicester City favourites to sign Manchester United midfielder James Garner before transfer deadline
Manchester United youngster James Garner is close to signing for Leicester City, with the Foxes leading the race for the 21-year-old’s signature, according to Football Insider (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The Red Devils are open to parting ways with Garner this summer. Various clubs in the Premier League, such as Everton and Southampton, have also made approaches for the 21-year-old. However, Leicester are favourites to land the England U21 international.
Erik ten Hag does not see Garner in his plans, and as such, the midfielder is set to leave his boyhood club. The 21-year-old was not given the opportunity to showcase his talent during pre-season.
Last season, Garner spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest in the Championship. United’s academy graduate became an essential member of Steve Cooper’s team that got promoted to the PL.
For the Tricky Trees, Garner made 49 appearances in all competitions in the 2021/22 campaign, scoring four goals and providing 10 assists. United fans expected the youngster to become the next big star upon his return to Old Trafford.
However, Garner hasn’t played at all for the Red Devils at the start of the new season. With the disappointing start to Ten Hag’s reign in the Premier League, supporters felt the 21-year-old midfielder should be fielded. However, it wasn’t to be.
Against Brighton & Hove Albion, Fred and Scott McTominay started. However, the duo were criticised for their performance after the game as United lost 2-1. Against Brentford, Fred kept his place in the XI but again failed as the Red Devils conceded four goals in the first half.
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It has been surprising for many fans to see Garner being allowed to leave United this summer. However, with the arrival of Casemiro and the other options in the middle of the park, it is best for the 21-year-old to look for game time elsewhere, like Leicester in the East Midlands.
