Everton again linked with Manchester United's Garner

This would be a great signing for us. Young, mobile, and can pick a pass. Could be our very own young version of Ward-Prowse. Exceptional set-piece taker. And doesn't mind sticking his foot in.

Garner might just do it, 21, played 41 games and 4 goals for the newly promoted Nottingham Forest in 21-22, must've been a vital player for them.

Garner in for Allan to Rome, please.

He's not a striker. We need a striker.

I'm with you guys, I love this idea. Thought he was Forest's best player in the promotion final against Huddersfield. Not sure why Man Utd wouldn't want him but, if that performance was typical, I'd be delighted to have him with us.

I've followed his progress at Nottingham last season and I think this signing is a possible bargain for the price. Full of energy, can tackle, brave, can shoot and will bring a few welcome goals from midfield. As Neil #1 says a good dead ball delivery too.

A very young midfield pairing him and Onana but they could form a great partnership for years to come. For now, though, a bit of experience would be possibly needed too, Allan, or Gana if signed.

Gana and Garner adopting more defensive roles and Onana given a bit more box-to-box role and a license to stride forward. Seeing him in full flow on that forward run last night was a sight to behold. Until he got hacked down by some dirty amateur.

Paul, Yes. Is someone doing this on purpose?

I thought we had FFP problems. Why would we add to them whilst not directly addressing the obvious need?

Garner will be a great signing for £15M in an inflated market.

Things will start moving with Gordon's departure. I see this one happening along with Joao Pedro, Brereton Diaz and Gana.

Gavin #7,

That wouldn't be a bad window.

Gavin, sounds good to me too, we're back in the game if Thelwell can get the four of them in. We'd be looking at £65M minimum, so we'd need all of the Gordon money and more. If Gana comes in I'd expect Allan to be sold so that may be a neutral deal financially.

Latest report on Gana is that he is now demanding PSG terminate his contract so he can join us. The story says he agreed personal terms with us days ago.

Not totally sure on this one.

On the one hand he's a talented young player who works hard, can pick a pass and is very handy on set pieces (which we lack!)

On the other he's not especially mobile, he's not necessarily a DMC but a CM like Onana, Doucoure, Iwobi, Allan etc. And it worries me that neither Manchester United nor Nottingham Forest especially seem to want him, despite neither team being especially strong in the middle.

Would he be a Gueye alternative? Or an Allan replacement if he is sold? £15M seems a reasonable price for an interesting young midfielder and yet I can't shake the suspicion that he may turn out a bit Schneiderlin! But I can't really back that hunch up with much evidence and there's definitely things to like about him!

Sam, that is a truly terrible thing to say about anyone. I've been called a few vile names in my time but, if anybody ever called me a Schneiderlin, there would be hands flying. ;-))

I haven't seen much of Mills or Warrington. How does bringing Garner in affect them?

Is this us (finally) building a young fast and mobile midfield (that can pass to each other) finally?

Are these academy products likely to get games / playing time this season, whether Garner comes in or not?

He looks excellent value at £14-15 million.

If we had him, Onana, Warrington, all between 19-21 years of age, it would be the basis of a very good, young midfield.

With Iwobi also only 26 himself (and currently Everton's best footballer) that would be very encouraging. Add Gana and Allan for experience and nous, and Doucoure for physicality (despite his inability to pass), and suddenly the midfield has depth and options.

But if Gordon goes, we will need 2 wingers and a striker also. That's a lot of work to do in 1 week.

Mike @12, you're right. I felt a shudder just saying his name. Think his nightmarish body of Everton work has given me a lifelong aversion to any Man Utd central midfielders that looks a touch ponderous.

As long as he can't score, we'll have him!

Good to see another good young prospective signing we are in the mix for.

I'd like to see Warrington in the mix more though because of his one touch passing accuracy suits the top level.

Don't forget Tom Davies will be back too.

Although overall the midfield might be best in suiting Iwobi as he's turning into the Tottenham version of Modric who developed into a world class player - energy, acceleration, ball control in tight spaces, one-twos and cross field passes. Our total midfielder and the midfield needs to be built to get the maximum out of Iwobi having the most touches of the ball in midfield in every game.

Pat - many a true word...

Wait till he's holding up the scarf before we get excited. We had the Dutch lad signed sealed and then nothing. Always a bit wary of anything we get from Man Utd.

He was brilliant in The Great Escape.

Colin, we have had three too many of them.

As long as he brings Rocky with him. This guy looks like he could be a winner.

Seems to have a good reputation in the game. Excellent free-kick taker apparently. He was vital to Forest being promoted. He's got to be better than, Gbamin and Gomes.

If Allan is going, we will be short in midfield, so a punt at a cheap price will be worth it. Resale value too if he performs well.

Colin - I have heard he's a bit of a Maverick to be honest

Julian. I've got your coat.

Andy – no, no, mate, that's Columbo – not Rockford.

Ah ha! Finally a Rockford Files reference!

The best car move of my childhood TV years had to be the Rockford reverse and 180, better than Steve McQueen's best.

Andy - scarey.

Come on, Sam, by your own admission he's:

1) Young
2) Talented
3) Works hard
4) Can pick a pass
5) Is very handy on set pieces
6) Also from Birkenhead, so he's “One of our own”!

What's not to like? Except for your gut feeling he may be another Schneiderlin!

Your Ouija board's going to be very busy if we try and sign a striker!

Fran @#14,

Apparently we've signed a winger from Burnley for £20M. As far as I can work out, he only takes poor free-kicks, because every time I've watched him, he's done fuck-all else: Dwight something, seems like a nice fella.

I can't judge a player I haven't seen but the lack of mobility sounds concerning.

Given all the money Nottm Forest have spent, it's unbelievable he's not already their player.

So my best guess is to suggest Jessie and Gibbs-White (big money, big fee) are far better in the eyes of managers, coaches, scouts and owner of Forest.

I'll need to be convinced.

If he's like Jame Ward-Prowse, I'll take him.

Garner was a bench-warmer at Man Ud, loaned out all the time to mostly Nottingham Forest. I wonder why they did not keep him?

It's obvious why he didn't go back to Nottingham Forest. He's holding out for a move to Everton!

Lester 33, His mentor was Michael Carrick and gets compared to him. Carrick gave him one-to-one coaching and advice when at Manchester.

All signings are risks, especially the younger ones. But isn't this what we've been asking for, buying fantastic prospects who Frank and his coaches can develop? At the same time, lads who have solid experience (Watford and Forest loans) and are on the up.

I think there is some benefit to him being a local lad, he won't need to settle into a new culture. He will have family support. All positive for personal stability and mental strength.

I think the player has the potential to become a crowd favourite. Frank, Kevin, don't dither, pay the money, sign him up.

I've heard he's a bit of a Maverick.

I understood that Forest were very keen to make his loan permanent, but, at the time, Man Utd weren't keen to let him go (probably pre Ten Hag).

Now, with Ten Hag in place, they have had a change of heart or philosophy, but Forest have already spent their cash on other players.

After much deliberation (far too much in fact) I have decided that ,if there is money still available, I'd like to keep Gordon and for us to get Garner and Brereton Diaz for a combined £30M.

Kudus on loan and maybe another striker, that is a good young team with high potential who will only get better. I believe Garner and Diaz would be astute signings.

Brereton Diaz is no more than an average Championship player.

Yes, scored a few goals last year, but most were laid on a plate for him. We already have better players in Simms, Cannon, Broadhead and even Rondon.
Total waste of money.

Everton keen on yet another midfielder.

I wish they would get keen on a striker, for fuck's sake!

7 days to find players who can score goals in the Premier League. Who knows what season Calvert-Lewinwill have fit or not. We'll be pissing about on deadline day.

I'm not averse to more midfielders if it doesn't impact our ability to recruit a proper goalscorer. Midfield still needs work on it.

This lad has completely escaped my notice, however, so I've no idea if he is what we need.

Just 7 days to go now. Would prefer it if all the rest of our business doesn't get drawn out to last-minute jeopardy.

Tony #35,

I will give you a bye since he is a Birkenhead lad. Probably would play his socks off for Everton.

Branthwaite was an unused sub vs Rangers last night.

Seems to be struggling for game time, and looks like a wrong move already.

Jerome, yes, apart from the fact that he and his family are all fanatical RS!

It's all about Aubemeyang!

Once Barca and Chelsea agree a price, he moves there and I reckon that frees up Broja to go loan to us which is a condition of selling Gordon to them which gives us fees to complete moves for Brereton Diaz, Garner or Gana and maybe another winger.

Out:
Gordon
Gbamin (on loan)
Gomes? (on loan)

In:
Broja on loan (or another No 9)
Garner or Gana (or both if we sell Allan)
Brereton Diaz (or another goalscoring winger)
Kudus (on loan, or another goalscoring AMC)

I'd be fairly happy with that. Gonna be a very busy week, I reckon!

Why don’t big spending Forest want him? That’s the question.

Sam,

I like the picture you paint but I still think there are doubts about letting Gordon go especially as McNeil has not settled in well.

How much money, if any, is left in the kitty will dictate who we bring in.

Sam

"And it worries me that neither Manchester United nor Nottingham Forest especially seem to want him, despite neither team being especially strong in the middle."

Exactly. The McFred duo have been ridiculed for years, and Van de Beek didn't exactly light up Goodison (one game apart) or Old Trafford. So it's not as if he is facing massive competition there for a spot. Seems very odd.

I am sick of all the speculation, to be honest – so-called people in the know – it will be a busy week, no doubt.

I am reserving judgement on Thelwell until the window closes.

Gana and Garner? I'm confused already!

Michael #45

Oh, I go back to my first post.

This coming week looks complicated. Wish I had more confidence in the transfer team at Everton.

Kieran #49.

I am surprised Man Utd have bought Casemiro and not used Garner. It strikes me that, as we have been, they are very short-termist. In fact, we have had very similar experiences of life after a long-term manager.

It wouldn't surprise me if Ten Hag would be happy to develop Garner and other young players but wider club management expect him to deliver now with expensive players like Fred and Casemiro.

It might come down to club politics and (mis)management as much as Ten Hag's assessment of Garner's qualities.

Gana Onana and Garner... sounds like an estate agency!

Robert,

You're right about them being short-term obsessed with so many highly paid 30-somethings: Ronaldo, Erickson, Casemiro.

It makes the appointment of Ten Hag seem weird as it's not really in line with his past way of operating.

Brian,

You're Gana have to get used to it — although who knows if the people garnering this information are on point?

Need to get Kenwright out of the club. It is an absolute disgrace we are going into Saturday without a new striker. 10% of the season gone after this one and we could have given up 11 points.

Completely irresponsible not to sign a striker after letting Richarlison go and with Calvert-Lewin's injury problems.

TalkSport etc saying Aubameyang is about to sign for Chelsea so this hopeful domino effect may happen quickly. If that means Broja, all well and good in between another 3 points thrown away on Saturday.

This Broja had better be the next Gerd Muller if we are to stay out the Bottom 3.

Kieran...

Yes, it's not really Ten Hag style to let a promising player like Garner go for good.

Don't.

It bothers me to keep reading about the lad of questionable worth being touted as an Everton recruit. We have experienced quite enough of Man Utd rejects in the past, haven't we? Seems not.

I thought we had learnt our lesson. In any case, aren't we full up of midfielders now? No room for any more.

Kieran @ 55, James Garner ?

Didn't know if I was reading about the Rockford Files there.

Or, The Great Escape! :-)

Brian @ 57, if we can land Broja and Conor Gallagher somehow, it would transform us I believe. Conor Gallagher's idol is Frank. Would also like that Ben Brereton Diaz as a decent back-up or partner up front. Anyone else who is decent would be the icing on cake.

Kieran (55) and I'm gana have to call you a taxi for that one.

While we talk again about midfielders, the weekend is upon as again and still not a forward in sight. Unfortunately, they are quite a rare commodity so all the good ones have the pick of where they go, and we're only of interest to anyone from a foreign league still looking to make a name for themselves, or possibly the Championship, as in Brereton.

There isn't the next Lukaku from what I can see and, until we can offer European football again, we won't get that type of signing. I think our expectations are unfortunately higher than what we can attract at the moment.

Now go and make me eat my words!

Can't get a kick when Man Utd have their worst midfield in living memory.

Doesn't fill me with much confidence.

I have heard he's a bit of a Maverick.

David #61,

Are you including Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, And Eriksen????

I would love any of them three in our team.

If he wants to play for the club and is inspired by Frank then get him in. Price seems good and he’s young and hungry to prove himself in EPL.

I think Gana would be a mistake.

He’s clearly after maximum payout and looking for an easy payday. PSG happy to let him come to us and not charge a fee. Gana happy to come for big wages but wants his contract terminated and a big payout. PSG correctly saying that stinks, and luckily Everton saying that we’re not so desperate that we’ll move heaven and earth to make the deal happen.

Luckily it seems like Thelwell is a lot smarter than previous people upstairs and we’re moving past sending in absolutely clueless Bill to report back that Arsenal are doing us a favour by signing Arteta for £10m and that Spurs are doing us a favour by signing our best player for only a few mill more than we bought him for despite him proving himself to be top class since we bought him.

Geoff,

This is the worst Manchester United team for at least 30 years and he can't get in their team.

That must say something.

They obviously rate Fred and McTominay over him.

David @ 65, totally disagree there by the way, there is I believe, a tendency to play or seen to justify silly money outlays by playing them.

Of course there is a confidence factor too, but any Manager who risks playing fringe players, over megabuck fancy Dans, gets castigated either way if a success or a failure.

The player in question, I believe again, was their most consistrnt performer whilst on loan at Forest in their promotion campaign. I would have no qualms whatsoever, if he became a player for us, regardless of who he played for before.

If it was a choice between him at £15M and Barkley (traitor and rat) on a free, James Garner would win.

Moshiri: "Judge us at the end of the transfer window".

We're 4 games in; we've got 2 points on the board; we're playing an in-form team tonight, and have to go into hand-to-hand combat with everything Mordor has to offer this Saturday.

I'm judging you now, prick.

This one is apparently close. I remain sceptical. Decent, hard working player who would do well in a decent Championship team but not sure he is destined for a top ten side in the PL. I’m not convinced he’s a significant upgrade on Tom Davies, other than his set pieces.

Not sure he’d be a starter for us with Gueye arriving and £15m seems a lot for a squad player. Would much prefer to get Kudus (though a different type of player) or maybe even Gilmour.

Derek,

Mctominay is not a megabuck fancy dan. In fact most united fans I speak to say he’s crap and he’s getting a game ahead of this lad.

Why haven’t Forest gone in for him if he was one of their most consistent performers as they’ve purchased 18 others.

Utd fans are not happy with him being sold. The obligatory YouTube shows him looking a decent player. If you read the comments on the video it shows he's well thought about. At that price he's wish a shot
Link

We're not paying that money all up front Sam. Amortised over the length of his contract it works out roughly as about two hundred dollars a day. Plus expenses.

I'd love to see us pull somebody like the Colombian lad who scored for Leeds last night out of the hat. He'd get the crowd on their feet if nothing else.

This is now done, according to the legendary Toffeenut.