Young Everton defender Mason Holgate has attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs ahead of the winter transfer window, with reports suggesting that Sheffield United, Bournemouth and Newcastle are all interested in signing the 23 year-old, who is valued at around £14m.
Holgate, an England U-21 international, is primarily a defender, but played in and excelled in an unfamiliar central midfield role against Manchester United over the weekend. With the Toffees light on midfielders following injuries to several key players, Duncan Ferguson asked Holgate to move from the back to the centre of the park, and the latter shone alongside Tom Davies as the Merseysiders came away with a point from Old Trafford.
Newcastle already have several defenders on their books, so it’s a little baffling to see interest from the Magpies, but they’re also reportedly interested in Holgate’s club mate Lewis Gibson, according to the Northern Echo.
Newcastle are 11th in the table, while the other clubs interested in Holgate- Sheffield United and Bournemouth, are seventh and fourteenth in the table respectively.
Everton are fourth from bottom in the league, but with rumours of Carlo Ancelotti coming to Goodison Park, Holgate is expected to see where he stands with the Italian gaffer before deciding on his future.
Also Get the very Latest Football Transfer News, Rumours and Gossip direct to your email.