Despite being weak in the area, Manchester United are preparing to sell another midfielder after Andreas Pereira joined Fulham earlier this summer.
James Garner, who helped Nottingham Forest return to the Premier League last season, has been on the verge of breaking into the first team at United for several years.
This summer felt like the perfect opportunity to do so but the 21-year-old missed the majority of pre-season through injury and has thus begun the season on Erik ten Hag’s periphery.
Earlier this week, it emerged that United were warming to the idea of letting Garner leave on a permanent deal after several successful loan spells.
Read more: Man Utd in talks over Aaron Wan-Bissaka exit in potential £40m loss
Now, it has been revealed that Southampton are frontrunners to sign Garner despite interest from Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Everton.
That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, who say that the midfielder is valued at £15-20m and Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are now in pole position to secure his signature. Garner has two years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford.
SN’s verdict…
As things stand, Ten Hag has just two out-and-out midfielders to choose from. Scott McTominay and Fred have been mainstays in the side for several years but in the current climate, Ten Hag has no other choice.
Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek have been trialled in deeper roles but both players prefer to operate further up the pitch. Eriksen’s cameo at defensive midfield was a disastrous experiment at Brentford last weekend.
Garner must feel that he could break into the fold in midfield and the decision to cash in can’t have been well received by the exciting prospect.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether any parties follow up on their interest. Should Garner remain at the club, he’ll be confident of adding to his tally of seven senior appearances.
