Everton have certainly stepped up their pursuit of players in the summer transfer window with five new players joining the squad at Goodison Park, and now a reliable source has revealed another potential transfer target.

What's the latest?

According to The Athletic's football correspondent Laurie Whitwell, Everton are interested in signing Manchester United midfielder James Garner.

As per a report written by Whitwell for The Athletic, the Toffees join Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United in their interest in the rising star. However, a departure from Old Trafford will only take place if it's the right move for both the player and the club with the midfielder valued at £14m.

Dream Allan replacement

The Toffees' Brazilian midfielder Allan was unavailable for selection last Saturday against Aston Villa due to a minor knock, but it could be time for Frank Lampard to start phasing the player out of the team in favour of fresh legs and a new perspective that could deliver Everton better results in the Premier League.

Last season Allan became more of a hindrance than a help over the stressful relegation scrap towards the end of the season, with two notably horrendous performances that could have cost the team a worse fate than they met if not for other players stepping up when needed most.

The 31-year-old midfielder was red carded against Newcastle back in March which meant he was unavailable to play in the FA Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace where they crashed out of the competition losing 4-0. He then made just two touches in the Merseyside derby, both coming from kick off in their 2-0 defeat at Anfield in April.

As a result, the signing of Garner who was dubbed "unbelievable" by fellow midfielder Ryan Yates, would surely be welcomed. He could be the dream replacement for Allan in the defensive midfield role following his performances during a successful loan with Nottingham Forest in the Championship last season.

When you compare the 21-year-old rising star to the Everton midfielder over last season, Garner outperformed Allan in many attributes.

He scored more goals (4 v 0), had a better pass accuracy (81.03% v 79.96%), created more chances (36 v 15), won more aerial duels (36 v 11) and more ground duels (127 v 117), as well as completing more interceptions (47 v 23).

With that being said, if Everton could get a deal done for Garner it would surely be a big upgrade for the club over this season and beyond, allowing the manager to finally ditch blunder-prone Allan.