Leeds United could make a late move for Southampton defender Mason Holgate as Daniel Farke looks to bolster his squad before tonight’s transfer deadline, according to journalist Alex Crook.
It’s been an exceptionally quiet window for the Whites thus far, who are yet to make their first signing of the window. Late recruits are being targeted and the manager is keen to bring in one or two more faces to add depth to his squad ahead of their bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Four successive wins now mean that Leeds sit fourth in the Championship, although they have cut the gap on second-placed Ipswich Town to just two points. Kieran McKenna’s side have faltered in recent weeks, winning just one of their last seven league outings to open up an opportunity for the Yorkshire-based club and Southampton.
The Saints are also pushing hard and look favourites to replace the Tractor Boys in the top two, although Leeds could look to steal one of their promotion rivals fringe players.
Mason Holgate headed to St Mary’s on a season-long loan from Premier League outfit Everton in the summer after falling out of favour under Sean Dyche. However, he has continued to struggle for game time this season, making just five league appearances.
The 27-year-old featured started the FA Cup draw with Watford last weekend but has not set foot on the pitch in the Championship since November. As a result, Everton could bring his temporary deal to a premature end before sending him out on another loan.
Bundesliga high-fliers Stuttgart have been heavily linked and are believed to be pushing for a move, although talkSPORT pundit Alex Crooks states Leeds could also make a late push to sign the defender.
Farke was keen to bring the player to Elland Road in the summer. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Crooks claims the German could revisit that initial interest:
“They (Leeds) tried for Chris Mepham, at Bournemouth, but that got rejected because they are short-handed, defensively, due to injuries.
“Mason Holgate is maybe one to still keep an eye on. I know he played for Southampton in the FA Cup last weekend, but he is not in their league team. I think he is one that could be let go and have his loan terminated if he gets the chance to go and play first-team football elsewhere.”
The transfer window shuts at 11pm tonight.
Writer’s View
Southampton will not be keen on strengthening a direct promotion rival, but this decision is ultimately out of their hands. Everton were keen for Holgate to get back to playing regular football and it just hasn’t worked out for him at St Mary’s.
Defensive recruits have been high on the agenda for Daniel Farke this month and he still hopes he can strengthen that department throughout the day. The defender has bags of Premier League experience and he could prefer this move over the one to the Bundesliga, especially because it could earn him a permanent move in the summer.
Head of Writing
