Everton manager Sean Dyche has confirmed that Mason Holgate is likely to leave The Toffees for Premier League strugglers Sheffield United on deadline day.
HITC reported this morning that Everton were set to cut short the defender’s frustrating loan spell at Southampton before farming him out to a club in the Premier League or the German Bundesliga.
There is interest in Mason Holgate from Stuttgart, the Champions League-chasing outfit who have already snapped up seldom-seen midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud from Brighton and Hove Albion.
It appears that Stuttgart will be pipped to the post, however, by a Sheffield United side keen to reinforce a defence which has been breached more times (54) than any other team in England’s top flight so far this season.
Mason Holgate leaving Everton for Sheffield United
“It’s looking like that one will go through,” Dyche tells Sky Sports. “It’s a deal that suits us and Sheffield United.”
The 27-year-old has spent nearly a decade at Everton. Holgate has fallen out of favour since Dyche replaced Frank Lampard in the Goodison Park dugout, however, and will move to Bramall Lane after starting a grand total of four league games for promotion-chasing Southampton in the division below.
Dyche, meanwhile, has also confirmed that Abdoulaye Doucoure will stick around. That is despite interest from deep-pocketed Saudi Arabian clubs in the experienced enforcer.
“Doucoure wanted to stay despite Saudi interest,” the former Burnley boss adds. “That was never anything serious and he’s focused on getting himself fit and ready to play.
“Keeping the squad together this month was important. We didn’t want to lose any players who are a key part of the first team group.”
Quiet deadline day for Toffees
HITC understands that Everton have seen an approach rebuffed by Benfica for the rangy, ball-winning defensive midfielder Florentino Luis. There is interest in Said Benrahma instead. His expected move from West Ham to Lyon, meanwhile, may have repurcussions for Arnaut Danjuma’s own future.
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