Man Utd midfielder James Garner joins Everton in permanent £15million transfer ending 13-year tenure at Old Trafford

EVERTON have completed the £15m signing of Manchester United’s James Garner.

The 21-year-old England U21 midfielder has signed a four-year deal at Goodison Park – much to the disappointment of fans at Old Trafford.

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He will be boss Frank Lampard’s eighth summer signing following the arrival of James Tarkowski, Ruben Vinagre, Conor Coady, Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Dwight McNeil and Neal Maupay.

After completing his move, which will see United initially receive £9m with a possible additional £6m in add-ons, Garner told evertontv: “I’m ready to sign for Everton. It’s a big step in my career and I want to help the team get better as I progress as a player.

“I think Everton is the perfect place for that. I can’t wait to get started.

“The manager has a real plan for the club and for me. Working with him every day is very important to me. He and his staff can take me and the team to the next level. I hope so.

“I know how passionate Evertoners are. I’m passionate myself and the kind of player who feeds on the crowd. I know how the fans are, so I think I’ll be a good fit.

“I’m a box-to-box midfielder who can play in different roles and support in defense and attack.

“I like assisting with goals and assists, but I can also do the hard work, which is just as important.

“I feel like I can bring real energy to the team – it’s something Everton are definitely asking for and I can add that in abundance. I also have quality so hopefully I can play a big part in ensuring we have a good season.”

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Lampard said: “James is a fantastic midfielder with a great all-round game who has qualities that we know Evertonians will appreciate.

“We are very much looking forward to working with him and to him continuing to strengthen our squad.”

Garner, who was born in Birkenhead on Merseyside, joined Manchester United’s academy aged eight and made his first-team debut aged 17 against Crystal Palace in February 2019.

After a stint at Watford in 2020, the star joined Nottingham Forest in January 2021 on a loan deal which was later extended for the duration of last season.

Garner played a key role in helping Steve Cooper’s side gain promotion to the Premier League, scoring four goals and providing ten assists in 45 games.

Now he’s hoping to improve on those performances with the Blues.

He added: “My experience at Nottingham Forest last season and how I’ve improved as a player has given me confidence that I can play at the highest level.

“I want to take that to the Premier League now and do it with Everton.”