Several Premier League clubs eye January signing of Holgate

Mason Holgate has emerged as a transfer target for a number of Premier League clubs, according to reports.

The versatile 23-year old has established himself as an important first-team player this season, having begun the campaign on the bench behind Yerry Mina and Michael Keane.

Since stepping into the starting line-up against Brighton at the end of October, Holgate has started every game for the Toffees, impressing in central defence while he also starred in a holding midfield role against Manchester United on Sunday.

The former Barnsley man’s form has attracted attention from a number of clubs in recent months, with movement expected from interested parties ahead of the January transfer window.

The Northern Echo claim that Newcastle are preparing an offer, with £14million rated defender having impressed Steve Bruce this season, while Holgate would also fit Mike Ashley’s recruitment model.

The report also claims that the Magpies will look to re-sign centre back Lewis Gibson from the Blues, having left Tyneside for Goodison Park in 2017.

Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Post claim that Sheffield United are also considering moving for Holgate, while the report also cites interest from Newcastle and Bournemouth.

Everton don’t have a wealth of defensive options so interest in Holgate is likely to be a non-starter, while the Blues will see Holgate as a versatile and young talent that shouldn’t be sold unless absolutely necessary.

Read Everton Verdict

I’ve always been a fan of Holgate and I’m glad to see that he has really kicked on in the first-team this season, regularly turning in Man of the Match performances.

It remains to be seen what will happen when Everton appoint their new manager, with it currently looking likely to be Carlo Ancelotti, with it unclear who and how Ancelotti would like to see the Toffees line-up.

In the short-term though, there is no way that Holgate is allowed to leave. Everton are already in desperate need of defensive recruitment in January, and letting one of their regular starters leave would be ludicrous.