Premier League strugglers Sheffield United are keen to bolster their defensive department before the January transfer window closes and are weighing up a move for a Southampton player, according to reports.
Mason Holgate moved to the St. Mary’s Stadium at the end of August after the Saints were relegated from the Premier League. However, the English central defender has made just six appearances in all competitions, including merely five in the Championship since joining the club on loan from Everton.
Nevertheless, before signing for Southampton, it was reported that Holgate was a transfer target for newly-promoted top-flight side Sheffield United, having worked with former manager Paul Heckingbottom at Barnsley earlier in his career.
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Still, the 27-year-old opted to drop down a division to get some much-needed game-time in England’s second tier. However, the Sheffield Star are now reporting that Holgate has re-emerged as a target for the Blades.
The outlet are claiming that Chris Wilder, who took charge at Bramall Lane for the second time in early December, is also looking at signing Holgate on loan for the remainder of the campaign as he looks to add depth to his backline due to injuries to John Egan and Chris Basham.
It was revealed last month that Everton were looking to recall Holgate from his loan stint on the south coast but manager Sean Dyche recently admitted that the club were yet to hold talks with the former West Bromwich Albion loanee.
Writer’s View
It wouldn’t be a very smart move for the Merseyside club to strengthen a direct rival, especially since the Toffees are facing yet another points deduction from the Premier League, having been found in breach of the organisation’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
However, it seems quite logical for Everton to recall Holgate from his loan spell and send him back out for the remainder of the campaign due to his lack of minutes with Southampton this term, whether that be to Sheffield United or another club in the Championship.
Deputy Head of Writing
