Sunderland are one of several clubs eyeing a loan move for Manchester United midfielder James Garner in January as reported by The Sun.
The report claims Championship sides Preston and Wigan are also interested in signing the eighteen-year-old who United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently dubbed ‘the next Michael Carrick.’
New Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson could be busy in January as he looks to bolster a squad that has underperformed so far this season. The Black Cats sit eighth in League One, five points behind front runners Peterborough, and nothing less than promotion will be acceptable this season for Sunderland’s demanding fanbase and Garner would certainly add quality to Parkinson’s midfield.
The teenager signed his first professional contract at Old Trafford in 2018, and he’s been a standout performer for United’s Under-23s. Having made his debut has an eighty-ninth minute substitute at Crystal Palace in the Premier League back in February, he made his first senior start in the Red Devils Europa League win over Partizan Belgrade on Thursday night and steadily grew into the game, showing some neat touches until he tired towards the end.
According to the article, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to weigh up whether his highly-rated youngster will be allowed out for regular games in the New Year.
Our View
Garner has a big future of that there is little doubt, but we doubt the authenticity of this report.
Sunderland could recall Ethan Robson from Grimsby if they need to bolster their midfield ranks in January and this would seem the most likely option for Parkinson.
If Garner does go out on loan, the Championship would seem the probable destination although he would be a quality signing if Parkinson is interested.
