Mason Holgate 'Keen' on Loan Move to Southampton Amid 'Big Gap' in Exit Talks
Key Highlights :
Mason Holgate is reportedly “keen” on leaving Everton on loan to Southampton despite a “big gap” between the two clubs over a deal, according to Sky Sports. The broadcaster reported via their website on Sunday (7.21pm update on 13 August) that the Toffees and the Saints are still at odds over the percentage of his wages the Championship side are willing to contribute, but the 26-year-old is eager for the move “having struggled for first-team football”.
Other clubs have expressed an interest in the Everton defender, and the Toffees would prefer to sell him but are “open” to agreeing a loan departure. Holgate is currently behind James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and the returning Jarrad Branthwaite at centre-back.
If Southampton aren’t willing or able to shell out on a permanent deal then they are likely going to need to up their offer on wages to get Holgate the move that he and they want. The ideal scenario from the Toffees’ perspective would be for one or more of the other interested clubs to come in with counter offers to move proceedings along.
With the deadline less than three weeks away now all involved will need to speed things up to ensure the Everton defender doesn’t get stuck on Merseyside kicking around low down the pecking order. A loan would presumably be better than nothing for a player with few first-team prospects currently under Sean Dyche.
But that is only the case if the club aren’t still paying a heavy proportion of his wages, so if the gap is that big it sounds like it wouldn’t currently be worth the Toffees’ while. With two years left on his contract a few million on the table to buy the former Barnsley man and offer him a new start would appear to be the best outcome for all, but until a club is willing to put up money for it his heart is apparently set on St. Mary’s.
The Toffees are reportedly willing to “listen to offers” for Holgate and the player reportedly wants to leave Goodison Park, so it will be interesting to see if a deal can be reached before the transfer window closes. Southampton are in need of defensive reinforcements and the 26-year-old could be a good addition if the two clubs can agree on the terms of the deal.
It remains to be seen if any other clubs come in with a formal offer for Holgate, but until then the focus will remain on the Saints and the Toffees to reach an agreement that suits both parties. Holgate has been at Everton since 2015 and has made over 100 appearances for the club, so it will be a shame to see him leave but it looks like it could be the best move for both the player and the club.
