Despite Everton’s January having been dominated by rumours of high-profile outgoings, there has actually yet to be any movement at all at Goodison Park.
No players have been signed, and none have been sold. Just how Sean Dyche would have wanted, albeit perhaps with a sneaky addition late on to bolster his ranks.
And whilst some reports do suggest that might happen, it is still those who he might lose who are set to command the most attention this Deadline Day.
Ben Godfrey is probably the most high-profile name who has a genuine chance of an exit before the window slams shut, but another who perhaps has been forgotten is Mason Holgate.
He could still fetch a fee at the eleventh hour, or, as this latest report states, actually bolster a relegation rival.
Could Mason Holgate leave Everton permanently?
Whilst it might seem a crazy idea to allow a man who once won the club’s Young Player of the Year award to directly strengthen another side battling for Premier League survival, it’s fair to say that the 27-year-old is a shadow of that young centre-back bursting onto the scene.
After all, since then his career has taken a rather significant nosedive, having failed to make the grade at Everton and slipped down the pecking order.
Now on loan at Southampton, where even Russell Martin is neglecting to play him, it only further compounds a miserable past few years for Holgate.
But rotting on the bench on the south coast is meaningless really, when he could be gaining vital minutes elsewhere in order to put himself in the shop window.
So, whilst Sheffield United might be direct rivals to the Toffees at the moment, promises of additional game time might prove too good to deny.
The report by TEAMtalk states that the Blades have made the £70k-a-week stopper their ‘priority target’ for Deadline Day.
Mason Holgate has no future at Everton
Although they may share proximity in the Premier League, Sheffield United are the least of Everton’s worries at the moment.
As well as relegation worries, Sean Dyche is also being forced to combat numerous off-pitch issues too, including their ten-point deduction amid two financial breaches.
Therefore, if Holgate could be sold for a solid chunk, he would represent pure profit given he was only acquired for a mere £2m.
To put him in the shop window is crucial, and whilst Southampton seemed like a wise move in the summer, he clearly never got over his disastrous debut.
So, whilst it may come back to bite them should he hit form again, it is a risk worth taking to potentially ease their PSR troubles in the summer.
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