Transfer insider suggests Leeds could potentially land another Dan James style deal this summer

Leeds United could raid arch-rivals Manchester United as they are keen on welcoming James Garner to Elland Road in the summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Jesse Marsch was appointed as the Whites’ new head coach at the end of last month and it appears he has already set his sights on improving the squad he inherited from ex-boss Marcelo Bielsa at the end of the season.

According to The Sun, Leeds and Southampton are set to go head-to-head in a race to sign Garner from Manchester United.

The report suggests the Red Devils could be open to letting the defensive midfielder join a Premier League rival on loan in a bid to bolster his experience, but Marsch may prefer to strike a permanent switch despite Garner wanting to make the grade at Old Trafford.

Garner has become a wanted man after impressing since joining Championship side Nottingham Forest on loan – for a second time – until the end of the campaign.

The 20-year-old has been a regular fixture in Forest’s starting line-up and, despite being a defensive-minded midfielder, has also shown he can be a threat in the final third of the pitch by notching three goals and five assists heading into the weekend.

Garner is currently valued at £3.6million by Transfermarkt and his £20,000-per-week Manchester United contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2024, so the Red Devils are in a strong negotiating position if Leeds or Southampton decide to strengthen their interest.

Rio Ferdinand SLAMS Marcus Rashford! Hear more on The Football Terrace…

Jones believes Garner will have a host of clubs looking to secure his services when the summer transfer window opens for business.

Although Leeds and Manchester United are arch-rivals, the transfer insider feels Garner