Report: Everton defender Mason Holgate could now move to Championship club

Everton defender Mason Holgate could make the move to Southampton this summer as a Goodison Park departure looks increasingly likely.

The 26-year-old has fallen down the Everton packing order in recent seasons and made just eight Premier League appearances for the Toffees last year.

Indeed, after featuring in the opening four games of the season under manager Frank Lampard, Holgate did not make another league appearance until the 4-0 defeat at Arsenal in March.

However, the versatile defender could now make the move to Championship side Southampton, with Sky Sports reporting interest in the Everton man on the South Coast.

The report states that the Saints would prefer a loan deal, while Everton want to offload the fringe player on a permanent basis.

While a deal could be struck, there is reportedly a big gap in terms of the wages that Southampton are willing to contribute should a loan deal be agreed.

Mason Holgate has had an unpredictable and disjointed Everton career, a move is best option for all

Mason Holgate’s erratic displays have made him a defensive liability over the years and offloading the 26-year-old on a permanent basis would be ideal, though at least a loan move would free up some funds from his wages.

Meanwhile, it is clear that the Blues need to recruit a new centre-back before the end of the transfer window, and should Holgate leave he would be the third defender to do so this summer following Yerry Mina and loan-player Conor Coady.

Jarrad Branthwaite deserves a chance after impressing during his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, though Dyche clearly favours Michael Keane alongside vice-captain James Tarkowski.

At the other end of the pitch, BBC Sport report that there is interest in Udinese forward Beto, who scored 10 goals in 33 Serie A games last season.

However, the report states that talks are ‘not yet at an advanced stage’, despite the urgent need for a centre-forward, further exemplified by Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham.