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Everton retaining this £14m-rated star despite interest from rivals would do a world of good

Why Everton should keep hold of Mason Holgate amidst Newcastle interest

According to Football Insider (h/t The Daily Post), Newcastle United are interested in signing Everton defender Mason Holgate in January.

Everton value Mason Holgate, who has established himself as a first-team regular, at £14million. He is contracted to the Toffees until the summer of 2022.

The 23-year-old’s performances have caught the attention of Newcastle, who are keen to strengthen their defence for the second half of the campaign, the report adds (h/t The Daily Post).

Everton defender Mason Holgate in action. (Getty Images)
Everton defender Mason Holgate in action. (Getty Images)

Holgate was farmed out on loan to West Brom in January by former manager Marco Silva. He impressed in the second half of last season on loan at the Hawthorns, making 23 appearances as the Baggies reached the Championship play-off semi-finals.

Having returned to the Toffees after a strong loan spell with West Brom, Holgate had hoped to kick on this season.

However, Silva started the 2019/20 season with Yerry Mina and Michael Keane, meaning Holgate had to settle for a place on the bench. Mina and Keane have looked off the pace this term, with the latter especially making unforced errors at the back.

Following a series of poor displays, Keane was dropped last month and Holgate took his chance. Since then, the 23-year-old has been a regular fixture in the team. He impressed during Everton’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Goodison Park, in what happened to be Duncan Ferguson’s first game in charge as an interim manager.

He played well at the back, looked confident, handled the Chelsea attackers well and was very comfortable defensively.

Interim Everton Manager, Duncan Ferguson celebrates victory following the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on December 07, 2019. (Getty Images)
Interim Everton Manager, Duncan Ferguson celebrates victory following the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on December 07, 2019. (Getty Images)

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So far this season, the former England Under-21 international has made seven starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League, providing two assists in the process.

Truly, Holgate has been one of Everton’s best players in recent weeks and looks to have the trust of Duncan Ferguson.

Verdict

Holgate has enjoyed a run in the team recently and he will hope to stay there under the new boss. He has been patient this season and when an opportunity knocked his door, the Doncaster-born star grabbed it with both hands.

The versatile defender has massive potential and Everton should keep hold of him amidst Newcastle interest.