Lots of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media to reports by The Athletic, linking the club with Everton defender Mason Holgate.
Toon boss Steve Bruce is keen to strengthen his options at the back once the January window opens, and has instructed our scouts to watch Holgate as his ability to play comfortably in a back-three would be beneficial to our season.
But we are not alone in keeping tracks on the £25,000-per-week centre-half, as AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield United are also watching Holgate ahead of potential advances next month.
Any attempts to sign Holgate could prove unsuccessful, though, as the Toffees are highly reluctant to sell the former England U21 international they value at £14million, and will instead be looking to add to their defensive numbers in the upcoming market.
Holgate is one of only three senior centre-backs at Goodison Park presently, and has become an important part of the Blues starting line-up in recent weeks.
Having played just 18 minutes of Premier League football over the first nine games of the season, Holgate has started seven top-flight matches in the heart of the Everton backline and showed his versatility on Sunday when fielded in a defensive midfield role against Manchester United.
Holgate took possession with his only attempted tackle at Old Trafford, along with penning three clearances, one interception, a 100% dribble success rate, two shots and found teammates with 17 of his 23 passes, per WhoScored data.
Would you back a £14m bid for Holgate?
Yes
No
The Athletic’s report was the second time we have been linked with Holgate this month, following claims that the 23-year-old had emerged as a winter target for the Toon and that our scouts were keeping tabs on his situation at Goodison Park.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to the latest reports on our interest in Holgate…
Who rates these players
— Vickers (@TinoVickers) December 16, 2019
Unless we’re looking to offload some CBs there’s literally no point. 10mil if that 14 will get you Bowen apparently
— Lynden Dixon (@dixon_lynden) December 16, 2019
So no chance then…
— Michael (@mickwatson65) December 16, 2019
Swap for Clark.
— Dan (@fdanmcfadyen) December 16, 2019
We have 3 right-backs in Krafth, Yedlin & Manquillo. And 5 centre backs (not including Dummett). Why would we be interested in Holgate unless we’re planning on off-loading a few?
— KARL05 (@KarlSnowdon) December 16, 2019
So basically Sheffield United and Bournemouth #AshleyOut
— Anthony seaward (@seawardaj) December 16, 2019
Because we’re really short in defence.
— winter will turn to spring (@MonsieurSharp) December 16, 2019
Perfect, means we can move Fernandez up top with schar to provide a goal threat, what a strike force that would be
— BJC (@JoeCollins99) December 16, 2019
@eastanio 6th choice CB for 14M 🥴
— David skelton (@daveskelton182) December 16, 2019
What a load of rubbish. CB is probably the only position where we don’t need to sign anyone!
— Jonny Easton (@eastanio) December 16, 2019
In other Newcastle United news, Bruce is planning for life without a £42k-p/w Toon man.