Report: Sunderland, Preston and Wigan want Manchester United midfielder James Garner on loan

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Manchester United midfielder James Garner is attracting attention ahead of the January window.

According to The Sun, three Football League clubs want to sign Garner on loan in January. Man United could allow the youngster to get some experience in a lower division with two Championship sides and Sunderland battling for his signature.

Sunderland are hoping Garner would be willing to drop down to League One until the end of the season. The 18-year-old would be joining Phil Parkinson’s promotion push at The Stadium of Light.

Garner could also be battling for promotion with Preston North End. The high-flying Lancastrians are sixth in the league at the moment. But Wigan Athletic are ready to push Preston and Sunderland.

Wigan currently sit in 19th place in the Championship – four points clear of the drop zone. Paul Cook wants Garner to shore things up in midfield.

Garner is highly-rated by Man United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has compared him to Michael Carrick (as per The Sun). The England U19 starlet is currently in Man United’s squad to take on Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League and he made his first-team debut last season.

TBR’s view

Garner is considered to be one of England’s most promising young defensive midfielders. Any sort of experience in a lower division would surely develop his game and introduce him to senior football.

Sunderland and Preston would give him the opportunity to fight for promotion and block counter-attacks. Wigan would demand more defensive focus from the teenager but it could prepare him well for life in the Premier League.