James Garner has left Manchester United permanently to sign with Everton, the club confirmed.
Everton report the fee is officially undisclosed. A report from Sky Sports says the fee is £15 million.
Garner had not played a single minute for Manchester United this season. His exit has been a contentious one, but it was evident new boss Erik ten Hag did not view him as a first team regular.
He now begins a new chapter of his career at a Premier League club, having spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.
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Garner clinches Manchester United exit
Garner told Everton’s website he views this as a step forward in his career, at a top flight club where he will hopefully become a first team regular.
He also said he was looking forward to working with Toffees boss Frank Lampard.
Garner said: “I’m made up to sign for Everton. It’s a huge step in my career and I want to help the team get better while progressing as a player.
“The manager has got a real plan for the club and for me. Working with him on a daily basis is major for me. Him and his staff can take me and the team to the next level. That’s what I’m hoping for.”
Lampard was enthusiastic about the deal. He said: “James is a fantastic midfielder with a great all-round game who has qualities we know Evertonians will appreciate.
“We are really looking forward to working with him and having him add further strength to our squad.”
Garner’s exit is a disappointment for United fans who had tracked his progress through the academy, and out on loan for the past two seasons, and viewed him as a player who could help solve the problems in the team’s midfield.
However, Garner is at a stage of his career where he needs to play regularly, and United have struggled to sell players this summer on a permanent basis.
He is the first player to be sold this summer for above the £8.5 million received for Andreas Pereira.
Fabrizio Romano had reported United’s Garner sale could have a release clause, but it is unclear if this was the case with the final negotiation.
Garner’s former Manchester United under-21 teammate Ethan Galbraith has also departed the club, signing on loan for Salford City.
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