Leeds United target James Garner is heading into a 'key summer' as the Manchester United midfielder 'has got massive potential', according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Jesse Marsch was appointed as the Whites' head coach last month, just 24 hours after Marcelo Bielsa's sacking, and it appears he has already got his eye on who could be his first signing at the helm.
What's the latest news involving Garner?
According to The Sun, Leeds and Southampton are set to battle it out for Garner's services when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
The report suggests Manchester United could be open to letting the defensive midfielder join a Premier League rival on loan in a bid to bolster his experience, but Leeds director of football Victor Orta will try his luck in attempting to negotiate a permanent switch despite Garner still wanting to make the grade at Old Trafford.
Garner is currently on loan with Championship side Nottingham Forest, having moved to the City Ground on a temporary deal for the second time last August.
The switch was completed after the 21-year-old snubbed proposals put forward by Derby County, Sheffield United and Stoke City in order to return to Forest.
However, Leeds and Southampton could face further competition for Garner's signature as The Athletic have revealed Forest will want to tie the Manchester United academy product down to a permanent deal if they secure promotion to the Premier League.
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What has Dean Jones said about Garner?
Jones believes Garner has a big decision to make amid interest from a host of clubs heading into the summer.
The transfer insider feels the midfielder has already shown in the early stages of his career that he is destined to become a regular starter in the Premier League.
As a result, he reckons Garner would be a shrewd signing by newly-appointed Leeds chief Marsch.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "James Garner has got massive potential and ambition. I think this is a key summer for him to decide what the next phase is."
Why is Garner of interest to Leeds?
Although Leeds already have the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich as central midfield options, Garner would provide stiff competition if he heads to Elland Road.
The England under-21s international may be in the early stages of his career, but he has already chalked up 84 senior appearances, underlining the trust he has gained from the managers he has already played under.
Garner is currently valued at £3.6million by Transfermarkt and his Manchester United contract is worth £20,000-per-week, so his arrival would not result in Leeds having to spend big in terms of the transfer fee or wages.