James Garner Nottingham Forest
Southampton are now in pole position to sign Manchester United starlet James Garner, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Garner set for United exit
The midfielder spent last season out on loan at Nottingham Forest, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League, before returning to Old Trafford following the conclusion of the campaign.
The 21-year-old admitted during pre-season that he wants to play regular football and it’s unlikely he’ll receive that under Erik ten Hag, meaning a move away is almost definite.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported earlier this month that the Red Devils are even open to letting the maestro leave permanently in the coming weeks, with the Saints name-checked as a potential suitor alongside Tottenham, Leeds, Everton and Forest.
The Latest: Saints leading the chase
Manchester Evening News report that Southampton have ‘emerged as the frontrunners’ and are now ‘leading the pursuit’ of Garner, despite ‘interest’ from around the top-flight.
It’s claimed that the youngster is valued at ‘between’ £15-20m.
The Verdict: Get it done…
Southampton have enjoyed plenty of success when signing younger players from the ‘big six’, and there’s no reason why Garner can’t be another Armando Broja or Tino Livramento.
The England U21 international, labelled ‘Carrick-esque’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, provided ten assists and scored four goals in all competitions for Forest last season, as per Transfermarkt, and could form a new midfield partnership with James Ward-Prowse.
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Four of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s six summer signings are under the age of 21, highlighting the Saints’ focus on developing up-and-coming talents, and Garner could be the next to follow in their footsteps and walk through the doors at the St. Mary’s Stadium.
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