James Garner has signed for Everton from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee, the midfielder penning a four-year deal until the end of June 2026.

The exciting 21-year-old talent is the Blues’ eighth summer signing after the arrivals of defenders James Tarkowski, Rúben Vinagre and Conor Coady, midfielders Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gana Gueye and forwards Dwight McNeil and Neal Maupay.

An energetic, all-round midfielder with an impressive range of passing, Garner was born in Birkenhead and joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of eight.

The England Under-21 international made impressive progress through the club’s age groups before being handed his senior debut aged 17 against Crystal Palace in February 2019.

Garner spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest and was instrumental in the East Midlands club’s promotion to the Premier League, playing 49 matches, scoring four goals and providing 10 assists.

“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,” Garner told evertontv. “I think Everton is the perfect place to do that. I can’t wait to get started.

“The manager [Frank Lampard] 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.

“I know how passionate Evertonians are. I'm passionate myself and the sort of player who feeds off the crowd. I know what the fans are like so I think I'll be a good fit.

“I’m a box-to-box midfielder who can play in different roles and can support in defence and attack. I like to support with goals and assists but can do the hard work, too, which is equally important.

“I feel like I can bring real energy to the team - it is something that Everton definitely demands and I can add that in abundance. I have got quality as well so hopefully I can be a big part of us having a good season.”

Long touted as one of Manchester United’s most exciting youth prospects, Garner has shown his leadership skills throughout his career to date, being named skipper throughout both the Red Devils and England age groups.

He added: “I captained every team up until the first team at Manchester United and the same with England. It’s a quality I definitely have.

“I’m still only young and there’s a lot of leaders in the Everton team now, but it’s something I’ve always had and I’m not afraid to speak my mind and lead by example.

“The Club has really high-quality players and I am looking forward to learning from them while contributing myself.

“My experience at Nottingham Forest last season, and how I improved as a player, has given me confidence I can perform at the highest level.

“I want to take that into the Premier League now and do it with Everton.”

Manager Frank Lampard 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.”

Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, added: “We are delighted to have brought James to Everton, a player with a broad skillset who adds more quality to our midfield options.

“He is a young, hungry player and we are confident he can be a great addition for many years to come, while getting even better working with Frank and his coaching staff.”