Man Utd Target Everton's James Garner in January

Manchester United are intensifying their interest in a January transfer for Everton midfielder James Garner, the 24-year-old former academy product whose contract expires at the end of next season, positioning him as an affordable option to bolster a depleted midfield.

The move comes amid a crisis in United's central midfield under manager Ruben Amorim. Injuries to key players Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo have left the squad with just two senior options in Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, forcing unconventional adjustments such as deploying center-back Lisandro Martinez in midfield during a recent match against Aston Villa. Academy youngster Jack Fletcher is even in line for a potential start against Newcastle United on Boxing Day, the Premier League's only fixture that day. Amorim has publicly emphasized the need for reinforcements, stating on Wednesday, "It's going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don't get a substitution. We are short."

Garner, who joined Everton in the summer of 2022 for around 15 million pounds after loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest, has become a cornerstone of the team. He has started all 17 of Everton's Premier League games this...