Everton have opened talks with Holgate over new contract

Everton have now opened talks with Mason Holgate over a new contract, according to Football Insider.

It was reported in late December by Football Insider that Everton were to open talks with the centre-back, who has impressed this season.

Having started on the bench at the beginning of the season behind Yerry Mina and Michael Keane, the 23-year old quickly usurped his compatriot, establishing himself as Mina’s starting partner.

The Northern Echo reported in December that Holgate’s performances this season had attracted the attention of Newcastle, while the Yorkshire Post claimed that Sheffield United were also keeping tabs on the defender.

Football Insider then reported earlier in January that Everton had rejected two offers for Holgate from unnamed clubs, and all this interest in the versatile defender has seemingly prompted Everton into opening negotiations over a new deal.

Now Football Insider claim that Marcel Brands has opened talks with Holgate’s representatives over a new and improved long-term deal, with the former Barnsley man currently entering into the final 18-months of his current contract.

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This is, of course, extremely positive news for Everton, who should want to tie a talented player like Holgate down to a long-term contract as quickly as possible.

Holgate has started Everton’s last 15 Premier League games in a row, featuring in 17 league games in totality this season (WhoScored), where the centre-back’s versatility has enabled him to moonlight as a right-back and as a defensive midfielder for the Toffees this season.

Mirror Sport reported earlier this month that Holgate was in line to receive an England call-up as the Three Lions build towards the Euro 2020 tournament in the summer, and the defender has certainly deserved his chance through his consistently high performance levels throughout the season.

Should Everton have fielded interest from a club of a high stature, then the situation may have been complicated, but with Holgate now appearing to be central to Everton’s long-term plans, it would be exceptionally positive to see him put pen to paper on a new long-term contract.