Sheffield United are continuing to be linked with a move for Everton defender Mason Holgate, with just a few weeks until the new season kicks off.
The Blades get underway against Crystal Palace in front of what will be a packed out Bramall Lane.
As it stands, United have both of their Premier League loans in the bank and Paul Heckingbottom will need to use them wisely before the transfer window closes.
And according to Football Insider, Sheffield United, Southampton and Leeds are all vying to sign Holgate on loan next season.
Football Insider claims that Everton have now agreed to loan Holgate out and in among the teams chasing him, the Blades get a mention.
Of course, Southampton and Leeds can offer big wages given their stays in the Premier League and recent relegations.
Holgate was signed by Everton for around £2m back in 2015 but despite becoming a key squad player, he has lost his place in the XI in recent times.
Previously lauded as a ‘brilliant‘ player for a performance in the Premier League, Holgate has the PL experience that Paul Heckingbottom will be looking for in the rest of this window.
Having spent on younger players like Anis Slimane and Benie Traore, the Blades boss will be hoping to get some more experience in the squad before the end of August.
Sheffield United News View: Holgate loan may be a waste
You get the impression United would be better using their loan slots on more attacking players. Those are the players who are going to give us the best chance of staying up.
Of course, Holgate is a good defender and has that experience that Heckingbottom seeks.
However, for this season and with how the window has gone so far, it seems a bit of a waste to use one of the loan deals with a defender.