Leeds must not allow West Brom clear run at Everton’s Mason Holgate

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Leeds United reportedly wanted Everton defender Mason Holgate ahead of the January transfer window.

With the new Championship season just over a week away, some Leeds fans appear to be slightly concerned that Marcelo Bielsa may not make any further defensive signings before the transfer deadline passes.

Ben White looks to be a promising addition on loan. But he is a young player yet to play at a higher level than League One, and both Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi have a point to prove after facing criticism at the end of last season.

If nothing else, Leeds would be wise to make another signing in case Bielsa’s men suffer anything like the same number of injuries that they dealt with last season. And that is why the Whites must be open to making a move for Mason Holgate if he is made available by Everton this summer.

The Express and Star recently reported that West Brom were keen to take Holgate back for a second loan spell and were waiting for the Toffees to decide what their plans were for the youngster for the coming campaign.

Holgate was an excellent signing for the Baggies last term. He became a fan favourite and was arguably one of the side’s best performers during the latter weeks of the season, offering an option at both right-back and in the middle.

The Sun on Sunday (23/12; page 61) reported ahead of the 2019 January window that Leeds were interested in Holgate. And they should certainly now consider reigniting their interest in the hope that Everton do sanction a loan move and he decides to head to Elland Road.

Holgate would arguably be unlucky to not be playing in the Premier League if Everton do loan him out this summer. He is perhaps on the cusp of being good enough to ply his trade at that level, and he could be a real star in the second tier if he returns during this window.

If Leeds did decide to join the race and managed to get a deal done, the supporters would have every right to feel more confident about the defence during the coming season. It would be a missed opportunity for the Whites if he was allowed to head elsewhere.