The Telegraph has claimed that a move to Nottingham Forest looks most likely for Manchester United midfielder James Garner this summer. There is, however, a problem to solve.
Garner enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at the City Ground during 2021/22. He scored four goals and claimed 10 assists, including one in the Championship play-off final.
The 21-year-old became a regular under Steve Cooper’s watchful eye and he’d dearly love him back. Forest have some work to do, however, and it will be interesting to see what comes next.
Cooper can’t merely sign Garner on loan for next season. The Reds have already taken Dean Henderson on loan from Manchester United and Premier League rules stop them from taking another.
The only way around that situation would be for Forest to strike a deal to mandatory purchase the midfielder next summer. At this stage, it doesn’t seem likely that United would agree to that.
Garner has missed out on a chance to impress Erik ten Hag during United’s pre-season tour of Australia. He does have another week to catch his eye, however, with the midfielders set to return to training tomorrow.
The Telegraph reports that Garner looks most likely to return to Forest. That will naturally excite supporters but it will be interesting to see how this pans out given the uncertainties surrounding another loan.
Forest move likely for Garner and this would be a bonus
This would be a fantastic deal if Forest could get something done. Garner was a real fan favourite last season and he really came of age as a central midfield player.
It’s no surprise that United aren’t overly keen on selling him. They will see that he has his best years ahead of him and his potential has a really high ceiling.
Forest need midfielders. Ryan Yates is out for a month, leaving Jack Colback, Cafu and Braian Ojeda as the only options for Cooper to currently call upon.
More midfielders will be required and as a result, Garner makes a lot of sense.
If Forest can sort something out with Manchester United, it might just be the best bit of business done by the Reds all summer.
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