Nottingham Forest are reportedly eyeing up a move for out-of-favour Everton defender Mason Holgate, and hope to finalise a deal before the end of the month.
The 26-year-old has fell down the pecking order at Goodison Park this season, and has struggled for minutes on the pitch since the arrival of centre-back partners James Tarkowski and Conor Coady last summer.
Indeed, the versatile defender has been tipped as one of the players to depart Merseyside this month, alongside fellow defenders Michael Keane and Yerry Mina, as the Blues look to recoup finances in order to support Frank Lampard’s transfer plans.
Holgate has not played a minute of Premier League football since Everton’s 1-1 draw at Brentford last August, and last featured for the Toffees in the 4-1 League Cup humiliation at Bournemouth in November.
Indeed, Holgate has been a regular starter at the club for many years, including the last 7 games of the 2021/22 season when Everton’s 10 points from a possible 21 guaranteed Premier League survival.
However, the former Barnsley man has always been inconsistent, with a proclivity to be far too casual when trying to play out from the back. Having once been tipped for big things, Holgate has performed below par for a few seasons now, so it could be the right time to move him on.
The former England U21 international is in his mid-20’s, has plenty of Premier League experience and can be played across the back, and in defensive midfield.
His current contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2025, so the Blues could demand a decent transfer fee.
If Steve Cooper’s side are keen on the Everton defender, it may be wise to cash in on the 26-year-old and reinvest the money in areas of the pitch where we desperately need to strengthen