Manchester United are reportedly considering a surprise move to re-sign former academy midfielder James Garner from Everton during the January transfer window. The 23-year-old, who left Old Trafford for Everton in 2022 in a deal worth around £9 million plus add-ons, has impressed this season under manager David Moyes and has caught the attention of England head coach Thomas Tuchel following a standout performance in Everton's win over United earlier this month.
Garner is entering the final six months of his contract at Everton, and while the club have the option to extend it by a further year, they are keen to negotiate a longer-term deal. According to the Daily Mail, United see Garner as a cost-effective alternative to Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, whose transfer fee is expected to exceed £100 million and is considered unaffordable for the January window.
Should a move materialise, it could prompt departures from United, with Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee linked with potential loan spells. However, manager Ruben Amorim has stressed that no player will be allowed to leave unless a replacement is secured first. 'It's going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don't get a substitution,' Amorim said. 'We are short. Even with the full squad we are short for something that can happen.'
