Liverpool Lead Chase for Garner as Reds Battle Four Rivals for Palace Defender

James Garner's stellar campaign at Everton has caught the attention of suitors across Europe, with Liverpool now positioned as frontrunners to land the midfielder this summer, according to reports.

The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the Toffees' standout performers this season, delivering two goals and five assists across 31 Premier League outings. His breakthrough extended to the international stage last week when he earned his senior Three Lions bow against Uruguay, impressing on his debut.

Garner's contract situation has long been a talking point. Though uncertainty hung over his future heading into the campaign, he penned fresh terms in January, committing through to 2030. Yet such deals can often signal a club's intent to protect an asset rather than a player's long-term commitment.

Manchester United have previously been mooted as potential suitors to bring him back to Old Trafford, but it's now the red half of Merseyside making waves. Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Liverpool have "taken the lead" in pursuit of the midfielder, with Real Madrid also keeping tabs on his development.

According to the outlet, the Anfield side are prepared to table an offer hovering around €70 million—approximately £61m—a figure Everton might find difficult to turn down. Liverpool are keen to bolster their engine room with a dynamic, versatile operator, and they believe Garner fits the bill perfectly.

Such a move would undoubtedly raise eyebrows given Garner's Everton heritage, though Liverpool's midfield situation does warrant reinforcement. Alexis Mac Allister has disappointed this term, while Curtis Jones continues to attract interest elsewhere.

However, Liverpool's most pressing need this summer appears elsewhere. Virgil van Dijk's form has dipped noticeably, and Ibrahima Konate has proven a significant liability at the back, having yet to agree new terms beyond the current campaign.

This defensive fragility explains why the Reds are reportedly locked in a four-way scrap to secure Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix. Chelsea and Aston Villa are also circling the Frenchman, who has garnered international recognition, whilst Bayern Munich continue monitoring his progress closely.

Lacroix's emergence as a top-tier centre-back prospect has not escaped the attention of Europe's elite, making him a priority target for Slot's side as they look to shore up their backline before next season.