Transfer stance on Nottingham Forest ace outlined amid 'several admirers' claim

On-loan Nottingham Forest midfielder James Garner is said to have “several admirers” at Premier League Southampton.

The Manchester United youngster has been central to the Reds’ promotion push during his second spell at the City Ground. And that has put his future in the spotlight ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Garner is expected to be given a chance to impress new United boss Erik ten Hag at the end of this season, to stake a claim for a place in the first-team squad at his parent club. But it has also been suggested he could end up heading elsewhere in the coming months.

The Saints and Leeds United have already been linked with the 21-year-old. And The Athletic report he has “several admirers within Southampton”. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are said to be “paying close attention to” whether Garner will be part of Ten Hag’s plans.

Earlier this month it was claimed another loan move could yet be a possibility for the England Under-21 international, with Forest tipped as “the perfect destination” should top-flight football be in the offing. That is something Garner will be out to help Steve Cooper’s side achieve when they face Huddersfield Town at Wembley on Sunday.

He has racked up 48 appearances and scored four goals in the Garibaldi so far this term, going from strength to strength under Cooper’s guidance. His first spell on the banks of the Trent came in the second half of last season, when he made the move in the January window.