Contact: Phil Hay says Orta has made Leeds move for 'superb' Premier League set-piece specialist

Leeds United have already made an enquiry for Nottingham Forest loanee James Garner, according to Phil Hay.

Garner, who was labelled ‘superb’ by Midlands journalists earlier this year, is under contract at Manchester United until 2024, but he starred on loan at the City Ground during the 2021/22 campaign.

The 21-year-old was a regular in the Championship, playing in three different midfield roles and contributing to 14 goals, which saw his Transfermarkt valuation rocket from £3.6m to £6.3m.

Garner has been heavily praised for his set pieces under Steve Cooper and he helped Forest back into the Premier League last weekend with a play-off final triumph over Huddersfield Town at Wembley.

Hay shared a story for The Athletic on Tuesday morning regarding Leeds’ transfer plans following a move for Brenden Aaronson.

The reliable reporter revealed that the club have their eyes on midfield targets and name-checked Garner as a possible signing, claiming that the Whites – and by association their director of football Victor Orta – made enquiries to Manchester United during the second half of the season.

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag plans to watch Garner in action before making a call on the 21-year-old’s future.

Should Ten Hag green-light an exit for the midfielder, Leeds may well try their luck judging by Hay’s recent claim, although you’d expect that he may be more open to a permanent move to Forest following his impressive loan spell with the newly-promoted side.

Therefore, looking to sign Lewis O’Brien from Huddersfield instead could be a wiser and more realistic move, with reports at the weekend hinting that Leeds could trigger his £10m release clause.

In other news: Leeds and Orta now eyeing ‘unbelievable’