Southampton are reportedly keeping tabs on Manchester United midfielder James Garner, who has been out on loan at Championship outfit Nottingham Forest.
The 21-year-old has impressed for Forest in the second-tier, making 47 appearances, scoring four goals and contributing 10 assists. He will be part of Steve Cooper's side that take on Huddersfield in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium on May 29.
Following that match, Garner will return to Manchester United due to the expiration of his loan deal. It remains to be seen if he has a future at Old Trafford.
According to The Athletic (via CaughtOffside) Southampton are keeping an eye on the midfielder's progress.
Garner may be given the opportunity to impress Erik ten Hag but could also be afforded another loan move to gain more first-team opportunities.
James Ward-Prowse and Oriel Romeu are the Saints' only two established midfielders and the signing of Garner would give Ralph Hassenhuttl more options.
Meanwhile for United, Ten Hag is targeting Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Dutch coach is pushing for the former Ajax man.
The Red Devils have also been linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves.
Mirror reports contact has been made by the Red Devils to try and lure the Portuguese star to Old Trafford this summer.
Another loan move may bode well for Manchester United midfielder James Garner
With Erik ten Hag expected to oversee a huge number of acquisitions this summer, James Garner's contributions at Manchester United may be limited.
Despite an impressive campaign for Nottingham Forest that may end with promotion to the Premier League, it seems unlikely he'll be a starter at United.
Hence, the young midfielder may be better suited to having another loan spell to continue his progression and that may be at St Mary's.
The Red Devils will likely be looking to let Garner establish himself in the Premier League, having spent the past year in the second-tier.
Should Nottingham Forest win their play-off final on Sunday, the 21-year-old may be an option for the side to negotiate another loan spell given the success he has had.
Not only will United likely make midfield reinforcements this summer, but there is also the return of Donny Van de Beek to come into play.
The 25-year-old Dutch midfielder spent the latter part of the season on-loan at Everton but has previously played under Ten Hag at Ajax.
Daphoenix87
0
he needs a chance to prove him self at United as he did this summer
true that...
SMHellas
0
Nope, he needs to stay and needs to play, who needs Frenkie De Jong?
zobadeirs
0
james Gerner is a talented player and dont sell him
piybnpsy
2
Why Jimmy garner again.... This guy dominate Nottingham forest midfield this season
zupdemotu
1
I would love for man u to sign defensive midfielder and center back... that's all,maybe next summer get a number 9
Ikechukwuwilliams
2
buy Scot on a discount and get Fred as a bonus
Ikechukwuwilliams
0
Scot is for sale 😒
Peyceiknz
0
not for sell let us give free Jones, martial, and Lingard
Leopreshy
0
I don't think he'll get enough game time..send him to the championship again
It’s better we send him to premier league team to gain more experience for one more season and he’s good to go
afiqhijazi
0
can we give them Scott instead 😅
ManUnited-Red
1
We need him for the future 👍🏽
Vewcmpsy
2
This guy is better than Scott
Vatdkmnryz
3
loan him for one season to primier ligue team to get experience utd is not place for young getting experience due to high presure of result
lapekmnruy
0
He should be given the chance to play for the first team, he's already 21, right age to be a regular in that team.
he needs a chance to prove him self at United as he did this summer
lapekmnruy
0
He should be given the chance to play for the first team, he's already 21, right age to be a regular in that team.
that's right
Jolars
0
I don't think he'll get enough game time..send him to the championship again
championship you say... say something nice bro.. he has gathered enough experience in championship let him enjoy the real game... I hope his team get promoted...
Daphoenix87
3
He should be given the chance to play for the first team, he's already 21, right age to be a regular in that team.
ruocnosu
1
he should start and finish every match next season he is better than everyone we have
bosaemoz
1
I don't think he'll get enough game time..send him to the championship again
My brother this kid is good go look his videos
Yohabckruy
1
MAN UTD
Unitedforlife6
2
I don't think he'll get enough game time..send him to the championship again