Newcastle United eye James Garner amid surprise £20m Everton exit twist
Newcastle United are interested in signing James Garner from Everton, but are unlikely to make a move anytime soon.
Garner has been impressive under David Moyes, and he has become one of the first names on the team sheet in 2025-26.
In Everton’s 2-0 win over Brighton, Garner scored a brilliant long-range effort in the Toffees’ first match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Garner’s current deal expires at the end of June, but a surprise twist has emerged as it appears Everton have the option to extend that by 12 months.
James Garner has one-year extension on Everton contract
Newcastle are interested in signing Garner following his impressive performances for the Toffees over the past year, having checked him out of late.
That is according Chronicle Live, who add that a move is now unlikely in the next few transfer windows as Garner is believed to have an extra year option on his current deal.
That would take him to 2027 with his existing deal, and it would mean Newcastle would be looking at a fee of over £20million, rather than signing him for free.
| Stat | James Garner |
| Appearances | 11 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass accuracy | 88% |
| Chances created | 11 |
| Tackles | 28 |
| Ground duels won | 47 |
Garner’s contract expires in June, and it previously wasn’t known that he had the option to extend his deal by one year.
If this option isn’t exercised, clubs would be allowed to hold talks with Garner after 30 December over a potential free move at the end of the season.
In reality, £20m is not reflective of Garner’s value in L4, and the midfielder has been a catalyst for Everton‘s improvement under Moyes.
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Everton must not let James Garner leave for a Premier League rival
The 24-year-old joined the Toffees in 2022, and he has since made 97 appearances.
Garner has formed a solid partnership with Idrissa Gana Gueye in midfield, with both players complimenting each other brilliantly.
Gueye’s late runs into the box have allowed Garner to have more time on the ball and pick the right pass to start attacks.
His influence on the team is invaluable, and extending his option by a further year is clearly a no-brainer to fend off interest from the likes of Newcastle and others.
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