Aston Villa are preparing for a potential January transfer swoop for Everton midfielder James Garner, according to fresh reports. The Midlands club, managed by Unai Emery, is said to be keen on the versatile 24-year-old as they look to bolster their squad for the second half of the season.
Midfield Target for Villa
Football Insider reports that Aston Villa hold a concrete interest in James Garner, viewing him as a valuable addition to their midfield options. However, they face significant competition for his signature, with Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United also named as admirers of the player.
The situation is particularly urgent for Everton, as Garner's current contract at Goodison Park is set to expire in the summer of 2025. This means manager David Moyes risks losing the player on a free transfer if a new deal is not agreed, potentially making a January sale more appealing to the Merseyside club.
Garner's Career Path and Current Stance
James Garner joined Everton from Manchester United in 2022 for a fee of £15 million. Since his move, he has become a useful and adaptable squad member for the Toffees, capable of playing in central midfield or even at full-back when required.
To date, the Birkenhead-born player has made 91 appearances for Everton across all competitions, scoring three goals. He is a product of the Manchester United academy, where he progressed through various youth levels and made seven first-team appearances before loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest provided him with crucial senior experience.
When recently questioned about his future in an interview with FourFourTwo, Garner offered a clear update: “All I know at the moment [is] nothing's going [on]. There's been no talks. I know, obviously, my contract’s up in the summer but from my side, I've heard nothing.” He added that he is focused on his performance, stating he needs to “add a little bit more” in terms of goals and assists to boost his chances of an England call-up.
Why Garner Appeals to Unai Emery
For an Aston Villa side sitting in a confident 6th place in the Premier League table following a 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth, Garner represents a shrewd potential signing. He would provide Unai Emery with additional depth and quality in the middle of the park. Despite his relatively young age, he offers considerable top-flight experience and tactical flexibility.
Everton boss David Moyes has himself been full of praise for the player, recently remarking: “He’s been fantastic since I came in. I didn’t realise probably how good he was. He’s been so good.” This endorsement underscores the talent that has attracted the attention of several top-half Premier League clubs.
With the January transfer window offering Villa a chance to freshen up their squad, the pursuit of James Garner is shaping up to be one of the intriguing subplots of the winter market, especially with his contractual situation adding a layer of urgency for all parties involved.
