MANCHESTER United midfielder James Garner, whom Saints have reportedly shown interest in, is said to now be available to purchase for just £14million.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell last season, helping Nottingham Forest get promoted back to the Premier League for the first time this millennium.

Garner travelled with United to their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia with the view of pushing for a first-team berth, but a minor injury scuppered his progress.

He has been unused by Erik Ten Hag in the Red Devils’ two opening Premier League defeats versus Brighton and Brentford, which has left the giants rock bottom in the division.

The Athletic report Ten Hag and the United bosses as willing to accept a permanent offer for the impressive defensive midfielder, while they are also trying to recruit in that area themselves.

Daily Echo: Garner made 41 appearances last season and played a key role in the Championship play-off final (Pic: PA)Garner made 41 appearances last season and played a key role in the Championship play-off final (Pic: PA)

Forest were interested in bringing Garner back to the County Ground, but have already made 15 signings this summer – including United’s Dean Henderson on loan, meaning any move for Garner would have to be permanent.

The report adds Saints are among Everton and Leeds United in expressing interest in Garner, while Tottenham Hotspur have also watched the six-foot one-inch engine.

They continue that a departure will only take place if it is right for both the player and club, while Saints have already strengthened in the midfield area.

In manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s new formation, he often lines up with three central midfielders. Captain James Ward-Prowse is a mainstay in the Saints side in one of these roles.

Meanwhile, the summer addition of 18-year-old Romeo Lavia has appeared to be an astute deal with the teen already impressing in his first two Premier League starts.

Oriol Romeu is now seen as rotation for the Belgian youth international, while Ibrahima Diallo, Stuart Armstrong and Joe Aribo can operate in the area. Will Smallbone has left the club on loan.

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