George Overhill

Mon 14 August 2023 8:40, UK

Mason Holgate is “keen” on leaving Everton on loan to Southampton amid talks between the two clubs over a deal, according to Sky Sports.

The broadcaster reported via their website on Sunday (7.21pm update on 13 August) that there was still a “big gap” between the Toffees and the Saints over the percentage of his wages the Championship are willing to contribute, but the 26-year-old wants the move “having struggled for first-team football”.

Other clubs have reportedly “expressed an interest” and Everton would prefer to sell but are “open” to agreeing a loan departure.

Holgate is currently behind James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and the the returning Jarrad Branthwaite at centre-back.

Time pressure

If Southampton aren’t willing or able to shell out on a permanent deal then they are likely going to need to up their offer on wages to get Holgate the move that he and they want.

The ideal scenario from the Toffees’ perspective would be for one or more of the other interested clubs to come in with counter offers to move proceedings along.

With the deadline less than three weeks away now all involved will need to speed things up to ensure the Everton defender doesn’t get stuck on Merseyside kicking around low down the pecking order.

A loan would presumably be better than nothing for a player with few first-team prospects currently under Sean Dyche.

But that is only the case if the club aren’t still paying a heavy proportion of his wages, so if the gap is that big it sounds like it wouldn’t currently be worth the Toffees’ while.

With two years left on his contract a few million on the table to buy the former Barnsley man and offer him a new start would appear to be the best outcome for all, but until a club is willing to put up money for it his heart is apparently set on St. Mary’s.

In other Everton news, another Goodison Park player is now “likely” to leave after a dramatic incoming deal was forced towards completion.