Everton have signed midfielder James Garner from Manchester United in a deal worth £15m.
The 21-year-old, who spent a season-and-a-half on loan at Nottingham Forest, has signed a four-year deal at Goodison Park, which runs until the summer of 2026.
Garner told Evertontv: “I’m ready to sign for Everton. It’s a big step in my career and I want to help the team improve as I progress as a player. I think Everton is the perfect place to- yes i can do it don’t wait to start
“The manager [Frank Lampard] he has a real plan for the club and me. Working with him daily is important to me. He and his staff can take me and the team to the next level. That’s what I expect.
“I know how passionate Evertonians are. I’m passionate myself and the type of player who feeds off the crowd. I know what the fans are like so I think I’ll fit in well.
“I’m a box-to-box midfielder who can play in different roles and can support in defense and attack. I like to support with goals and assists, but I can also do the hard work, which is just as important.
“I feel I can bring real energy to the team, it’s something that Everton are definitely asking for and I can add that in abundance. I’ve got quality as well so hopefully I can be a big part of us having a good season.”
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Garner joined Man Utd’s academy at U8 level before progressing through the ranks. He made his first-team debut in February 2019 at the age of 17, coming on as a substitute against Crystal Palace.
He was loaned to Watford in September 2020, but was released in January 2021 after falling out of favor with new manager Xisco Muñoz. He spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan at Forest.
Garner joined Forest on a season-long loan for the 2021/22 campaign, helping the club return to the Premier League after winning the Sky Bet Championship play-off final.
The midfielder has also represented England at youth level, making his Under-21 debut in September 2021.
Everton give up pursuit of Pedro
Elsewhere, Everton have given up in their bid to sign Watford striker Joao Pedro.
Everton’s final offer was a loan with the option to buy Pedro for a fee of just over £20m.
Watford did not want to sell him, but would not accept a loan option, unless it included an obligation to buy, for £30m.
Everton are still trying to bring a new striker to the club and are now looking elsewhere.