Southampton are striving to secure a loan deal for Everton defender Mason Holgate.
As reported by journalist Mark McAdam on Twitter, Southampton are trying to strike a deal with Everton to bring Mason Holgate to St Mary’s Stadium on a season-long loan. However, they haven’t yet made an offer that will see them cover enough of Holgate’s wages for Everton’s liking, and in any case, the Toffees would prefer a permanent departure for the player.
Holgate is clearly not in Sean Dyche’s plans this season, and the return of Jarrad Branthwaite from his impressive loan spell with PSV Eindhoven will have pushed him even further down the pecking order at Goodison Park. However, Dyche and Everton are still correct to hold out for the best deal they can get, especially as there is competition for the player’s signature.
Everton paid £2 million to sign Holgate from Barnsley in 2015. The versatile player has had spells in and out of the starting XI since then, as injuries have hampered his progress at times. In total, the 26-year-old has made almost 150 appearances for the Merseyside outfit.
Holgate in need of a new challenge
Holgate only managed eight top flight outings last season, though, and at this stage in his career he needs to be playing regular football. He might prove to be a smart acquisition as a squad player for another Premier League club expecting to be battling for survival, but at Southampton he could be a star.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Holgate would thrive with the responsibility given to him by the Saints, and the Championship represents the best arena for him to revive his career in. Either on loan, or on a permanent basis, the former England under-21 international should be hoping that a deal with Southampton can get done.
A permanent departure for Holgate certainly makes the most sense for Everton, and they will continue to work towards that plan. They will be hoping to make some small profit on a player who is very unlikely to be able to battle his way back into Dyche’s plans.