Image source: caughtoffside.com
James Garner has signed a new contract with Everton, the club confirmed on its official website, with the midfielder saying he is “really excited” to commit his future. The agreement ends uncertainty as he approached the end of his previous deal and follows reports that Manchester United were monitoring him ahead of the summer. Garner, a former United player, described Everton as a “massive football club.”
James Garner commits future to Everton as Manchester United monitoring ends
Everton confirmed James Garner has signed a new contract, cutting off the prospect of a return to Manchester United after reports linked the midfielder with interest from his former club. Garner had been nearing the end of his previous deal, prompting the Daily Mail and others to report United were keeping tabs on him ahead of the summer. Everton had been expected to push for an extension and have now secured it.
Speaking on Everton’s official site, Garner said he was delighted to agree terms and wants to be part of the club’s progress. “I’m really excited to commit my future to Everton,” the 24-year-old said, adding he is “very grateful” for the support he has received over the past three-and-a-half years. “It’s just the start,” he said, as he looked ahead to what he wants to help build.
Garner said he has seen progress at Everton and wants to help take the club “back to where the Club deserves to be.” He added that he now feels part of Everton and hopes to remain for a long time. “I’ve got family members who are all Evertonians, so I know exactly the passion and … what it means to play for such a massive football club like this,” he said.
Garner came through at United but made seven first-team appearances before moving on. The midfielder has since rebuilt his career at Everton and become an important player, according to the report. United will now have to look elsewhere as they seek to rebuild in midfield, with Garner appearing set to stay at Everton for the long term after signing the new deal.
