Everton reportedly eye move for Manchester United youngster thriving in the Championship

Everton are monitoring Manchester United midfielder James Garner, reports suggest.

The 20-year-old has been impressing on loan in the Championship this season and has caught the Toffees' attention.

Who is James Garner?

Garner was born in Birkenhead yet did not come through the ranks at either Merseyside club.

He's been with United since under-eight level and was a centre-back as a youngster before moving into midfield.

So far, Garner has made two appearances for United.

He's spent the past two seasons learning his trade in the Championship.

Garner was loaned to Watford during the first half of last term before joining Nottingham Forest last January. In total, he scored four goals in 20 games at the City Ground.

Garner returned to Forest this season and has been a regular starter, netting once in 20 games during Steve Cooper's side's play-off push.

He’s under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2024.

Garner has also frequently been selected to represent England at age-group level, with his debut for the under-21s arriving last September.

What's been said

According to Football Insider, Rafa Benitez is looking to bring Garner to Goodison Park for the second half of the campaign

It is claimed that the Toffees boss is an admirer of the fledgling midfielder.

As a result, his time at Forest would be cut short.

Will James Garner join Everton?

Benitez is in the market for an additional engine-room operator.

Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan have been the Everton manager's preferred partnership when fit.

However, there hasn't been much rotation when it comes to the Toffees' options in the middle of the park.

Tom Davies is currently sidelined with a knee injury, while Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes have had their problems.

In addition, Jean-Philippe Gbamin has been given the green light to depart this month, having played just four times this term.

There would be some understandable questions mark about whether Garner could make the step up to the Premier League at this stage of his career.

Everton have also reportedly had a bid turned down for Newcastle's Sean Longstaff.