Mason Holgate in action for Everton. (Getty Images)
According to the Sun, Everton will offer Mason Holgate a new contract to ward off interest from Manchester City.
Mason Holgate, 23, has established himself as a key part of Everton’s first-team squad this campaign after being sent out to Championship side West Brom last term. The defender began the season on the bench but has worked his way into becoming a key part of the Toffees team with several impressive displays under Carlo Ancelotti.
The 23-year-old has made 25 appearances across all competitions so far this season, chipping in with a goal and three assists. Holgate started alongside Michael Keane at the back on Sunday as Everton were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United at Goodison Park.
The report adds Carlo Ancelotti has told the club’s top brass to keep hold of the defender amidst Manchester City interest.
Everton are in a good run of form of late, having lost just once in their last five league games. They dropped points against Manchester United over the weekend but still remain in the hunt for a top-four spot. Carlo Ancelotti has revived the fortunes of the Merseyside club, with players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Djibril Sidibe and Holgate amongst a few impressing a lot.
Speaking about Holgate, the defender was not the first-choice at the start of the season under then-manager Marco Silva, who preferred the partnership of Yerry Mina and Michael Keane at the back. However, Mina and Keane were too sloppy as Everton leaked goals at an alarming rate.
Injury to Mina meant Holgate was handed a start against Brighton in December and since then, he has become a regular fixture in the Toffees’ starting XI. He has shown a vast improvement in his game under the guidance of Ancelotti, with his versatility also adding to his value.
Slowly but steadily, Holgate has established himself as a regular in the Everton side and they simply cannot let him leave in the summer. The Toffees need to be smart in their approach and must turn their attention to younger players to build a strong platform for the future in a bid to challenge for trophies under Ancelotti.
Holgate could hit his peak in a few years and it would be great for Everton to have him on their books. The defender still has a lot to improve in order to become top-class and he might unlock his true potential under Ancelotti. Thus, the Royal Blues must quickly secure the Englishman’s future at the club to thwart interest from Manchester City.
