Current Nottingham Forest loanee James Garner is being touted for a summer move to Leeds United.
The Daily Mail reports that the Whites’ have been monitoring the 21-year-olds impressive progress in the Championship, and that the player himself is keen to continue his development with regular first team football.
With that currently looking unlikely at parent club Manchester United and no guarantee of Premier League football at the City Ground, a move to Leeds could act as the connective tissue between both those demands.
He has impressed many whilst out on loan at Steve Cooper’s promotion chasing side this season, dictating play from a deep position in midfield whilst also managing a healthy 9 goal contributions in 36 appearances.
Manchester United are likely to bring in midfielders during the summer transfer window after another mediocre campaign so the sale of Garner to a fierce rival in order to free up some space in the squad is unlikely to be frowned upon too heavily.
Leeds’ own midfield issues this season have been well documented, and the addition of Garner would add extra security to a place in the side which has been vacated for much of the season by an injured Kalvin Phillips.
Although Phillips looks more likely to stay at Elland Road than teammate Raphinha, who is being heavily linked with Barcelona, interest in the England international remains high and a signing who can at the very least provide competition in his role should the academy graduate stay with the club is likely to be a high priority regardless of his future given his lengthy absences this campaign.
Garner recently received praise from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after his performance during the FA Cup tie between his side and Nottingham Forest, with it seeming only a matter of time until he makes that step-up to the top-flight.
