According to the Liverpool Echo, Mason Holgate has been ‘told he can find a new club’ by Everton who are willing to accept a loan move for the centre-back in January. This is good news for Aston Villa, with Dean Smith eyeing a defender to bolster his options at the back. James Collins still isn’t match fit after signing in November, so Villa have no natural cover in case of injury to James Chester and Axel Tuanzebe.
Since joining Everton from Barnsley in 2015, Holgate has gone on to make 48 appearances in all competitions for the Blues. The England u21 international has been on the periphery this season, however, making just six appearances for Everton due to Yerry Mina, Michael Keane, Kurt Zouma and Phil Jagielka being ahead of Holgate in the pecking order. The 22-year-old will reportedly be allowed to get first-team football with another club until the summer.
Villa might have competition for Holgate’s signature next month, but the player could thrive in the Midlands. John Terry would be a good mentor and his chances of first-team football are very high as he’s able to play left-back and right-back in addition to a central role.
