Everton 'close to sealing a £15m deal to land James Garner from Manchester United'

Everton are reportedly on the brink of completing a £15million move to land James Garner from Manchester United.

The midfielder starred in a Nottingham Forest side that earned promotion to the Premier League last season and has attracted top flight interest from many clubs.

Forest were keen to bring the 21-year-old back to the City Ground, while East Midlands rivals Leicester City as well as Southampton were also monitoring his availability.

But according to the Athletic, Everton have stolen a march to sign Garner from Old Trafford.

The report states that while the Toffees still have much to do to ensure the transfer is completed before Thursday's deadline they are hopeful of finalising the deal with personal terms yet to be agreed.

As well as Forest, Garner has also spent time away from Old Trafford at Watford in the past two years.

Despite the arrival of a new manager in Erik ten Hag this summer, his first-team chances look to remain limited at the club and he is yet to feature under the Dutchman.

Garner has seven Red Devils games under his belt but hasn't played in the top flight for United since appearing as a late substitute at Norwich in October 2019 while his last appearance for the club came two months later in a League Cup quarter-final victory at home to Colchester United.

Should Garner complete his move before the deadline he could then be thrown straight into the deep end as Everton face off against Merseyside rivals Liverpool at Goodison Park this weekend.

Frank Lampard's side have endured a mixed start to the season, drawing 1-1 at Leeds United on Wednesday night ensures they remain winless but unbeaten in three as they host Jurgen Klopp's side on Saturday.