Manchester United confirm James Garner to Everton transfer

Manchester United midfielder James Garner has completed his transfer deadline day move to Premier League rivals Everton, joining the Toffees in a deal that could rise to £15million.

The midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Championship play-off winners Nottingham Forest, has joined the Merseyside outfit on a four-year deal. He returned to Old Trafford at the start of this summer with the hope of forcing his way into Erik ten Hag's plans this season but was deemed surplus to requirements from the Dutchman.

A cluster of Premier League clubs expressed an interest in signing the 21-year-old, including Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. However, it is Everton who have won the race for the United academy graduate's signature.

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"I'm made up to sign for Everton," Garner told evertontv. "It's a huge step in my career and I want to help the team get better while progressing as a player.

"I think Everton is the perfect place to do that. I can't wait to get started. The manager [Frank Lampard] has got a real plan for the club and for me. Working with him on a daily basis is major for me.

"Him and his staff can take me and the team to the next level. That's what I’m hoping for.

"I know how passionate Evertonians are. I'm passionate myself and the sort of player who feeds off the crowd. I know what the fans are like so I think I'll be a good fit."

Garner, who joined United at under-8s level, leaves Old Trafford having racked up just seven first-team appearances for the club. He scored four goals and grabbed ten assists in a productive loan spell at Forest last term.

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Lisandro Martinez