Loads of Everton fans have been reacting on social media, after the Mirror credited Newcastle United with an interest in signing defender Mason Holgate.
Toon boss Steve Bruce is said to have met with Magpies owner Mike Ashley following his side’s 4-1 FA Cup Third Round Replay win over Rochdale, where the pair discussed how they would tackle the January window.
Bruce is longing to sign “one or two” game-changers this month, and has Newcastle’s transfer department heavily monitoring the European market to unearth potential gems.
Toon chiefs doubt the Premier League or Championship holds the sort of talents that will improve Bruce’s squad, and at the right value, though are interested in a deal for Holgate if possible.
Would you sell Holgate?
Yes
No
Newcastle were linked with a potential move to sign Holgate this month back in December, having identified the 23-year-old as an appealing prospect through his ability to play in central defence or in a wing-back role.
It was alleged that Everton’s hierarchy would demand around £14million to release the Doncaster-born ace midway through the campaign, representing a £4m increase on the figure touted amid interest from AFC Bournemouth, Burnley and Sheffield United last summer.
Holgate has established himself as a first-team mainstay at Goodison Park this season, with 13 successive league starts to his name since matchday ten and never missing an opening line-up under Carlo Ancelotti in any competition.
The former England U21 international has helped to three top-flight clean sheets during his run in the starting line-up, and has averaged 1.1 interceptions, 3.0 clearances, wins 1.7 of his 3.3 aerial duels and makes 1.5 successful tackles from 2.0 attempts per 90 minutes across his 15 Premier League outings this season, per WhoScored data.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Newcastle’s interest in Holgate…
Given he’s a starter now and better than Keane, who cost £25m, then I hope they’ve got a spare £30m+ for a starting bid. 😂
— Andreas Wätt (@Wattawildworld) January 16, 2020
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.. yeah right .why would #EFC rip out the heart of our defence. He’s been one of a few solid performers this season. Dream on NUFC
— Gareth Higgin (@77fenrir) January 16, 2020
No chance why would he move
— rich (@richardm32) January 16, 2020
Can’t see this happening, Holgate has been one of our best players this season.
— Tonuptoney (@tonuptoney) January 16, 2020
😂😂😂 In their dreams.
— Josh Oldfield (@toffee_Oldfield) January 16, 2020
Give them Keane and keep Holgate
— Brady Scott (@BradySKAHT) January 16, 2020
Oh come on like that’s ever gonna happen
— Doddy EFC (@tsdoddy) January 16, 2020
they even dream of Holgate they better wake up & apologise
— paul le comte (@five15design) January 16, 2020
And I’m considering a move for Jennifer Lawrence.
— Si (@sji_efc) January 16, 2020
Looool
— Crawford (@LPMCrawford01) January 16, 2020
In other Everton news, Ancelotti is reportedly keen to land a €20million defender, but the club lag behind a European giant in the race for his signature.