Mason Holgate is set to join Southampton on loan.
That’s according to talkSPORT, who have reported that the defender will spend the season in the Championship after being told he is surplus to requirements at Everton.
Holgate moved to Goodison Park for £2 million in 2015 and showed plenty of promise early in his career, however the 26-year-old has since failed to live up to expectations and has now fallen down the pecking order.
After making over 120 appearances in the Premier League, Holgate has been told he has no chance of returning to Everton’s first team squad this season. The versatile centre-back finds himself behind the likes of Michael Keane, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Holgate had been linked with a number of clubs and could have potentially remained in the top flight with Sheffield United, however he is now set to move to the south coast with the Saints.
Southampton are in need of some defensive reinforcements after the likes of Tino Livramento, Mohammed Salisu and Duje Caleta-Car all left the club following their relegation.
Holgate still has two years remaining on his contract and is likely to secure a permanent move away next summer before he enters the final 12 months. It is unclear whether there will be an option to buy clause inserted into his deal at Southampton.
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Holgate is thought to be raking in around £70,000-a-week on Merseyside and his exit could provide some financial relief for Everton, depending on how much of his salary they will be covering during his loan spell.
Mason Holgate could find his level at Southampton
Mason Holgate was far from the quality Everton need to progress after a difficult few years and it would have been a huge concern if they were still continuing with him in the backline.
However, his versatility provided some safety for Sean Dyche and they could be left light once again.
The likes of Keane and Ben Godfrey aren’t good enough for the Toffees either. Holgate’s departure only shows promise if they replace him with someone better, but that doesn’t look likely.
On a personal level, the ‘brilliant’ defender could definitely reignite his career at St Mary’s Stadium. The Saints will be fighting to win the Championship next season and will offer Holgate the perfect platform to improve his form and gain some support.