A report has revealed Leicester are hoping to sign James Garner from Manchester United, as well as Erik ten Hag’s plans for the midfielder.
Garner is a product of the Manchester United academy, which has a history of developing some of the best young players in England. The 21-year-old is currently in the process of gaining senior experience through loan spells.
The first of those came with Watford during the first half of the 2020-21 season. After making 21 appearances for the Hornets, Garner returned to Manchester United in the winter window.
Garner joined Championship side Nottingham Forest on loan just a day later and has been at the City Ground pretty much ever since.
So far, he has played 67 times for the Reds, registering eight goals and 10 assists in that time.
The England U21 international has become an integral part of the Forest team and is in line to start their Championship play-off final on Sunday afternoon.
Steve Cooper’s men will play Huddersfield Town at Wembley as they look to end their 22-year spell outside of the top flight.
The Daily Mirror provide an update on Garner’s situation as Forest prepare for the clash.
Leicester set their sights on James Garner
They claim Leicester like the look of Garner and will make a move for him if United make him available for transfer in the future.
This is unlikely, given the starlet’s huge potential, but the report states Leicester are ‘willing to wait’ as Garner can only get better.
An insight is also provided into how Ten Hag views the academy graduate. The Dutchman will reportedly put Garner in senior training throughout pre-season to take a good look at his ability.
Should he impress Ten Hag, then Garner could receive some first-team opportunities at the Theatre of Dreams next term.
But Ten Hag may feel as though the player needs more time to develop. In this case, he will likely spend another season out on loan.
Garner won’t be returning to the Championship any time soon though. That’s because United want him to join a Premier League club on loan, if he does end up leaving temporarily.
Either way, it is going to be hard for Brendan Rodgers and Leicester to pull off such an audacious move.
Garner looks set to be an important part of United’s future, along with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga.
Due to this, the Red Devils are unlikely to allow him to leave on a permanent basis, no matter how much Leicester offer.
Plus, there is the factor of Garner potentially strengthening an English rival in the Foxes.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s Transfer Gossip claims Ten Hag wants two new stars at United worth a combined £115million.
