Everton 'open contract talks' with key man amid Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United interest

Everton need to consider the future of James Garner who is being targeted by both Tottenham and Newcastle United.

The 23-year-old midfielder enjoyed his best season at the club since arriving from Manchester United on the final day of the 2022 summer window, playing 44 times across different roles in midfield, making 34 starts across an all-action campaign.

As it stands, his current deal expires in two years time but the club are looking to give him a new contract to ward off any interest, according to Football Insider. They previously revealed that contract renewal talks have been opened as the club are hoping to reward his strong form.

His importance cannot be understated at the current time. We already know of the strong interest in Amadou Onana this summer and the likelihood that the club will have to sell to raise funds. Plus, midfielders Andre Gomes and Dele Alli have already departed meaning Garner is crucial to their midfield. After all, he played the third-most games in the league last season behind Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski who featured in every game.

In addition, he managed the most tackles for Everton (83) fifth-most touches (1,699) and the fourth-most passes (1,111) in the squad. His ability to cover in right-back, defensive midfield, central midfield, attacking midfield and even right-wing has been hugely important for Dyche given the size of their squad and he is blossoming into a very capable Premier League midfielder.

Any interest from the clubs mentioned would result in Garner becoming a rotation option at best for those European-chasing clubs. At Everton, he would remain a key player who will likely play in most games and he’s very much adored by Dyche. He recently spoke out on the club and his current feelings towards the fans after their 15th-placed finish last season.

“I have been here now for two seasons and the fans have been nothing but good,” said Garner. “We have been through a lot of adversity and they have been our 12th man at times, they have stuck by our side so to have them there is massive and I can’t ask for more, really.”