Leeds United’s pursuit of a new defensive signing on deadline day could see them make a move for Everton defender Mason Holgate – with a deal for teammate Ben Godfrey seemingly unavailable.
Holgate, 27, has spent the first half of the season on loan at Southampton. The defender has struggled for game time though, making just seven appearances – his last league outing coming on November 11.
Meanwhile, Leeds are still lacking in options in defence. Connor Roberts is being linked on the right of the defence, but a move for Ben Godfrey looks unlikely. Charlie Taylor could emerge as a late target.
But now, TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has told Give Me Sport that Holgate could be targeted by Leeds ahead of the deadline. That is, despite the former West Brom loanee currently at Southampton.
Crook says that if Holgate can be given game time elsewhere, something he currently lacks over at Southampton, then he could be tempted to cancel his loan and move to Elland Road on deadline day.
“Mason Holgate is maybe one to still keep an eye on. He is not in their league team. He is one that could be let go, have his loan terminated if he gets the chance to go and play first-team football elsewhere.”
Leeds could sign Everton man Mason Holgate on deadline day
It would be a surprise – mainly because he is on loan at Southampton. Plenty would need to happen in terms of cancelling his loan and then re-sanctioning a loan, to one of Southampton’s direct rivals.
Not only that. The off-field relations between Leeds and Everton cannot be great at the moment despite the loan of Jack Harrison – while Holgate is said to earn a huge £69,000 a week. Those are huge wages.
So, there is work to be done and all three clubs – Leeds, Southampton and Everton would have to move quickly. It could be that Southampton may look for a replacement before agreeing to cancel the loan.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
