Mason Holgate is ready to snub a potential loan move to Newcastle United in the January transfer window to enjoy a second chance at Everton under interim boss Duncan Ferguson.
That’s according to The Sun, who report Holgate is determined to revive his Goodison Park career following Rafa Benitez’s exit. The Spaniard had shunned the defender during his six-month stint at the helm. Holgate only started six of his eight Premier League appearances.
Benitez consistently overlooked the 25-year-old upon replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the Blues last June. Holgate only secured a somewhat regular role following Yerry Mina sustaining a hamstring injury in October. He made four starts over their next 10 top-flight fixtures.
Holgate also removed himself from contention in November by earning a straight red card against Tottenham. Benitez introduced him in the 82nd-minute to see out a draw. But Chris Kavanagh brandished red 10-minutes later for following-through on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Newcastle, along with OGC Nice and Monaco, have considered asking Everton for Holgate in a loan transfer this month. Benitez was also willing to listen to bids, possibly including for a permanent move. But he will now snub all offers for a second chance under Ferguson.
Holgate hoping for Ferguson repeat at Everton amid Newcastle interest
Holgate is intent on fighting for his Goodison Park future amid Newcastle’s transfer interest after Everton named Ferguson their interim manager while seeking Benitez’s replacement.
The Doncaster-born defender played all 360-minutes of Ferguson’s previous caretaker spell after Marco Silva’s departure in December 2019. He also impressed as a holding midfielder at Manchester United in the Premier League and against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
Ferguson could begin Holgate’s fresh start when Everton host Aston Villa on Saturday. The former Barnsley prospect still has unfulfilled potential he will hope the Blues hero unlocks.
“Holgate was brilliant,” Peter Crouch wrote in his Daily Mail column after beating Liverpool last year. “He needs to be mentioned – he’s different class, and is going to be a top player.”
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