Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest are ready to battle it out to sign Everton defender, Mason Holgate.
Holgate is set to leave the Toffees this summer with Sean Dyche looking to reshape his squad.
The Sun reports that both United and Forest are keen on Holgate, who has made more than 120 Premier League appearances for Everton.
Football Insider adds that Everton have decided they’ll allow Holgate to leave on loan. And with United looking at that market, the 26-year-old appears to fit the bill.
Sheffield United want to sign Mason Holgate
Holgate moved to Everton from West Brom but started his career in South Yorkshire with Barnsley. Whether or not a move back to these parts appeals to the defender, remains to be seen.
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For United, the signing of a player like Holgate would represent a significant capture.
With funds apparently limited, Paul Heckingbottom knows that getting any players with Premier League experience through the door would be a huge bonus.
Of course, Forest’s interest does pose a problem. The Reds have splashed the cash since being promoted and would more than likely blow United out of the water in terms of wages.
However, with the deal set to be a loan, there is a glimmer of hope for the Blades.
Sheff U News View: Premier League experience counts
Mason Holgate is likely to be a player who splits opinion among Blades fans. On one hand, he is just 26 but has over 100 PL games behind him and that much-needed experience. Alan Shearer praised him a few seasons back, lauding him as being ‘no-nonsense’ and ‘really impressive’.
But since then, Holgate’s stock has dropped and that’s where some United fans might have reservations.
However, in terms of the players we can realistically get this summer, you have to say Holgate is one that would do nicely.
He can play across the backline and has a point to prove as well. A loan deal might work here and wit Egan and Ahmedhodzic next to him, the Blades would have a tidy back three to kick off the campaign with.