Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Leeds United midfield target James Garner has massive potential and ambition.
Garner has been on loan with Nottingham Forest this season and has been a mainstay in their side as he has featured 31 times in the Championship whilst scoring three times and making four assists, according to Transfermarkt.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to Leeds United and Southampton ahead of the summer transfer window, but he will return to parent club Manchester United at the end of the season, where he will make his decision as to where he plays next campaign.
Whilst speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones highlighted the potential that Garner has and identified how key the upcoming summer is in terms of what the next step is.
“James Garner has got massive potential and ambition. I think this is a key summer for him to decide what the next phase is,” Jones said.
With Garner being linked to Leeds United, we noted a few potential effects that the transfer might have for the Whites.
Partner for Phillips
Kalvin Phillips has had a frustrating season for Leeds, featuring just 12 times in the Premier League after picking up an injury last year which meant he hasn’t kicked a ball in anger in 2022 so far.
With Leeds struggling this season, finding themselves just two places above the drop zone, Jesse Marsch may be looking for a new midfield partner for Phillips in the summer, and the 6 foot 1 Garner could be the man to fill that role.
Replacement for Forshaw
Adam Forshaw has been in inconsistent form for Leeds this season after returning from a long-term injury, featuring in 21 games in the Premier League and managing an average player rating of just 6.71 across those games, as per Sofascore.
Marsch may be keen to replace Forshaw in the summer as he plots for a long-term solution, and when comparing Garner and the Leeds man, over the past 12 months, the former has a far better average player rating of 7.19, so could certainly act as an adequate replacement.
The veteran of 299 senior games to his name could finally be axed.