Aston Villa have to raid Everton a second time for Mason Holgate

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Holgate could reportedly leave Everton in the January window.

Everton defender Mason Holgate could reportedly become available in the January transfer window and a whole host of Premier League and Championship clubs are likely to be interested – one of those must be Aston Villa.

The Mirror report that that Marco Silva is willing to let the 22-year-old defender – who can play at right-back or in the middle of the defence – will be allowed to leave Goodison Park on loan in the winter window.

The signings of Kurt Zouma from Chelsea and Yerry Mina from Barcelona, as well as the rejuvenated form of Michael Keane has seen Holgate made to wait for his chance despite being a key figure of the side last season.

Holgate made 21 appearances in all competitions last season until an ankle injury ruled him out towards the end of the season. This time around, he has played just seven times, failing to make an appearance since September 16.

The England youth international has not even been included in a Premier League squad since October 10 by Silva, and it is clear that a loan move may be favoured by all involved.

That could include Aston Villa, who are crying out for a centre-back in the January window to act as cover and indeed competition to James Chester and Axel Tuanzebe. Other than those two players, Villa have no first-team centre-backs.

It is expected to be Smith’s main priority in the window, as he looks to mastermind Villa’s hunt for promotion in the Championship. Tommy Elphick could be recalled from Hull, but a signing could be just as easily made.

Villa have already done business with Everton this season, bringing in Yannick Bolasie on a season-long loan and the DR Congo international’s performance would give Everton confidence in loaning Holgate to Villa Park.

Holgate’s wages are more than affordable – reportedly £25,000 a week according to Spotrac – and if Everton want any interested parties to pay a chunk or indeed the whole lot, Villa will be capable.

Landing the defender would ease the concerns among fans, and could even help Villa in their bid for promotion with Holgate more than equipped to rival Tuanzebe for a place alongside Chester.