Matt Garbett in action for the All Whites against Peru. Credits: Image – Photosport, video – Newshub
After a whirlwind 24 hours, All Whites midfielder Matt Garbett has all but confirmed a big-club move is imminent.
The 20-year-old has told Newshub his agent is in contact with several clubs over a potential move from Italian Serie A side Torino.
Garbett’s keeping calm and carrying on at Doha, despite being linked to not one, not two, but three English Premier League clubs
"At the moment, I’m just leaving that to my agents," he said.
If UK reports are correct, those agents have been working overtime.
After impressing against Peru, Everton, Wolverhampton and Leicester are all said to be vying for his services.
Garbett still has three years to run on his contract with Torino, but he’s already talking about Italy in the past tense.
"I don’t know what my future holds, but Torino is there and, ultimately, I’ve enjoyed my time there at Torino."
Right now, the club chat is a distraction before New Zealand’s biggest game in nearly five years.
"It’s obviously nice to be getting that interest and that attraction, but I’ll focus on it after this qualifying game," he said.
This would be a full-circle moment for Garbett, who was in the crowd when New Zealand qualified for the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa.
"Yeah, I was actually at Bahrain game in 2009 and saw Rory score that goal – now he’s here with us."
Said All Whites assistant coach Rory Fallon: "He’s doing really well, he’s still really young, but he’s coming on in leaps and bounds, and only getting stronger with every camp we have."
Now a spot in November’s World Cup is there for the taking,if they can beat Costa Rica on Wednesday morning (NZ time).
"It’s definitely an opportunity for people like myself and young players coming through to show what they’ve got," said Garbett.
An expectant nation will be watching – and so will the Premier League scouts.
Join us at 6am Wednesday for live updates of the All Whites v Costa Rica World Cup qualifying game