Tottenham Hotspur “like” Manchester United midfielder James Garner, amid rumours the England U21 international could be leaving Old Trafford this summer.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the latest transfer news from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ahead of the remaining few weeks of the transfer window.
According to multiple reports, Manchester United are prepared to let Garner leave the club, if their £15m valuation of the player is met this summer.
However, Fabrizio Romano has stated that a move to Spurs is unlikely for the 21-year-old, who has previously been dubbed as “unreal” by Josh Wright, with three/four Premier League clubs interested in the midfielder.
And O’Rourke believes that Garner is someone that the club “like” but the timing of the transfer may mean that a move is not a priority for the north London club.
“I’d be surprised if Spurs do pursue their interest in James Garner, but he’s obviously somebody that they like and does seem like he will be leaving Old Trafford.
“But I think probably the timing right now means that it’s not a priority for Tottenham.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments
We believe that Spurs fans will be slightly disappointed to hear that a move for Garner is unlikely, though given his lack of Premier League experience, you would imagine he would have been used more as a squad player than a regular first team candidate.
The four-time England U21 international, who has been hailed as ‘unbelievable’, spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, scoring four goals and providing ten assists in 49 appearances for the East Midlands club according Transfermarkt, helping Steve Cooper’s side secure promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs last season.
Judging by these stats, we think that whilst Garner’s top division experience is limited, at £15m he could prove to be a smart signing for Antonio Conte as he looks to balance domestic and European football this season, if the club make an unlikely move for the Manchester United youngster this summer.