Leeds United are plotting a January move for Everton centre-back Mason Holgate, according to a reliable journalist.
Alan Nixon, The Sun’s transfer expert, made the claim on his personal Twitter page on Sunday morning and added “If Bielsa wants a versatile defender”.
This comes after it was reported by Sky Sports that the versatile 22-year-old former England Under-21 international would be allowed to leave on loan in January.
OPINION
This would be a seriously good move for Leeds. Holgate has bags of talent and is just not going to get a look-in for Everton this season. He made five appearances at the start of the season but has dropped out of the squad since then and needs to move in January to get some game-time. the 6ft 2in powerhouse is a versatile player – he can play at centre-back or right-back – and this would give Bielsa much-needed cover and depth in his squad through the second-half of the season. There are two issues. The first is that Bielsa has said he doesn’t need another defender, although he has also said he’s happy to be overruled by the club on this. The second is that Everton might look for a guarantee on game-tine, something that wouldn’t be possible at Leeds. He would be coming in to sit on the bench and play when needed and when there were any injuries, and that might not be acceptable to Everton. However, the chance to work and learn under Bielsa might swing it in the club’s favour. We think they should do everything they can to secure a January loan deal.