Mason Holgate had an uncertain future at the start of the season but was retained to provide backup at right-back for Seamus Coleman and cover at centre-back for Michael Keane and Yerry Mina.
The 23-year-old has gone on to become a regular in defence, however, and is now one of the first names on the teamsheet – Holgate has played in every minute of Everton’s last 15 Premier League games.
Holgate’s form has led to clubs lodging bids this month, but Everton have no desire to let him leave. The defender’s existing deal has two years to run, but Holgate should be in line for a contract extension and significant payrise now he’s a regular in the first-team.
Since joining Everton from Barnsley in 2015, Holgate has gone on to make 70 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating five goals. He featured only once for the Toffees between August and October before playing in every league game that followed.
Carlo Ancelotti is said to rate Holgate highly while England manager Gareth Southgate has watched the defender in multiple games of late, so Everton are right to fend off any interest.