According to Simon Bird of the Mirror, Newcastle United ‘have an interest’ in Mason Holgate. Steve Bruce is keen to strengthen the squad in January and has met with Mike Ashley to discuss transfer targets. They stand little chance of signing Holgate, however, as the 23-year-old has been an important player for Everton this season.
Holgate has made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating three goals. He’s started in Everton’s last 13 Premier League games and has made the matchday squad in every outing too. The former England u21 international has played in every EFL Cup and FA Cup game and is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Newcastle may have had a better chance of signing Holgate last summer. At the time, he’d returned from a loan spell at West Bromwich Albion and was unsure of his future at Everton. Now, however, he’s now a first-team regular and would likely consider a move to St James’ Park a step down.
The Toffees are short on centre-backs as it is – Holgate, Michael Keane, Yerry Mina – so letting one go wouldn’t be a good business decision.