Nottingham Forest given major transfer advantage over Leeds United and Leicester City for 21 y/o

Nottingham Forest will be given the first option to sign James Garner if Manchester United sanction another loan deal this summer, according to a report from 90min.

The 21-year-old’s second loan spell at the City Ground last season proved to be even more successful than his first, appearing as one of the first names on the teamsheet under Steve Cooper and making 49 appearances in all competitions during the 2021/22 campaign.

Registering four goals and 10 assists during last term, he played an integral part in the Reds’ promotion and even supplied the cross for Levi Colwill’s crucial own goal in last weekend’s play-off final against Huddersfield Town.

With this, the East Midlands outfit are hopeful of a return for the midfielder who may not be part of Erik Ten Hag’s plans next season considering his lack of experience in the top flight, although the Dutchman is set to take a closer look at the youngster ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

If he is made available for a loan deal, Forest could face considerable competition for his signature with Leeds United, Southampton and Leicester City all being linked with a move for him following his impressive performances.

But 90min has revealed he will be offered to the East Midlands outfit before other sides if he isn’t part of United’s short-term plans, enabling Cooper’s side to steal a march on their competitors in this transfer race.

The Verdict:

This is great news for Forest – but they may focus on other targets at this stage considering Ten Hag wants to take a look at him in pre-season and they won’t want to be waiting on his decision later on in the transfer window with other targets likely to be available.

One thing that’s certain is the fact they will need a replacement for him