Southampton's hopes of signing Manchester United midfielder James Garner this summer have been handed a boost, with reports suggesting that he is set to leave the Red Devils in the coming days.
What's the word?
Southampton are one of several sides to have been linked with signing the 21-year-old in recent weeks with Erik ten Hag willing to let the academy graduate leave on a permanent deal, despite an impressive campaign on loan with Nottingham Forest last season.
Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the youngster's situation, writing:
"Everton and Southampton are both showing interest in James Garner. No agreement/decision made, but he’s expected to leave Manchester United in the next days."
Crocker must act
It has been suggested that any deal for Garner would cost around £15m, which could prove to be a bargain for Southampton considering his obvious potential, which he emphasised last season with Steve Cooper's side, helping them to promotion to the Premier League.
The young midfielder made 44 appearances in the second tier for Forest, contributing four goals and eight assists, earning an impressive 7.08 rating from WhoScored for his performances.
This would have ranked him as the top player in Southampton's squad last season, which emphasises the quality he could add in Hasenhuttl's side should he make the move to St Mary's.
Paul Robinson was full of praise for the United academy graduate during his time at Forest, saying:
“Garner has been exceptional at Forest.
“He is an example of why players get sent out on loan.
“He can play at the top level and I think he has proven that at Forest. I don’t think he’s one that will go straight into the Man United side but I think there is a first-team role there for him and he will feature next season.
The Austrian manager looks to be set on James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia as his main midfield options this season, with both Oriol Romeu and Ibrahima Diallo linked with moves away from St Mary's, which suggests that more depth is needed in the middle of the park.
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Garner would definitely fit into Southampton's philosophy of signing young players from the top six and giving them a chance, so director of football Matt Crocker should definitely look to bring the Manchester United man in before the transfer deadline.