‘Just a rumour’ – Ancelotti dismisses Everton transfer talk
One of the most exciting things to occur in this topsy-turvy Premier League season for Everton has been the emergence of defender Mason Holgate.
The 23-year-old, once a bit-part player at Goodison Park, has become arguably the team’s most consistent centre back.
His fine form has seemingly attracted the attention of one of the division’s big-hitters, with the Daily Mirror reporting on Thursday night that Manchester City are interested in signing the youngster.
That’s a story that will have sent shivers down the Everton supporters’ spines, such has been Holgate’s improvement this campaign.
However, manager Carlo Ancelotti has now seemingly debunked any talk of a £30million move away from the club for his star defender.
“I think it is just a rumour,” he said at his pre match press conference on Friday, as per journalist Patrick Boyland’s personal Twitter account.
“Mason Holgate is an important part for the future of Everton. There is no possibility that he can go to another club.”
Could Holgate leave Everton?
It seems very unlikely that the club would let him leave, especially after this definitive-sounding verdict from the manager.
‘No possibility’ is about as emphatic as he could have been. As Ancelotti says, Holgate is a massive player for the club moving forward.
Not only is he a quality operator who is an unquestionable starter at this moment in time, he’s only going to get better in the years to come.
If Everton are going to fulfil their ambition under Ancelotti, they simply can’t afford to let players like Holgate depart.
In other Everton news, the manager is expected to make three changes for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.