Mason Holgate applauds the Everton fans. (Getty Images)
According to The Mirror, Manchester City have monitored Everton defender Mason Holgate ahead of a possible move in the summer.
The report also suggests that the Toffees are keen to hand Holgate a new contract as he has just two years left on his current deal with the club. But City have made him a realistic target to strengthen their defensive options.
Pep Guardiola has faced limitations in the defensive unit for the majority of the season and that has led to the Cityzens putting in a lacklustre performance on several occasions. They have not been up to the mark in the title defence and are 22 behind runaway leaders Liverpool in the league table.
Despite making a comeback against Real Madrid in the Champions League a few days back, City’s defence has not been as strong as their attacking force. Aymeric Laporte, who missed the majority of the season due to a knee injury returned to the starting XI against the La Liga giants but was again forced off in the second half of the game.
Former Everton man John Stones has fallen down the pecking order under the Spaniard manager after a series of poor performance. And he did not even make it to the 18-man squad on Tuesday night.
Defensive midfielder Fernandinho and Nicolas Otamendi have been performing at the heart of the defence for quite a long time but they haven’t been successful. And it is clear that City need to reinforce their backline with young and energetic players. Therefore, the manager should make a move for Holgate in the summer.
The 23-year-old, who rose through Barnsley’s youth ranks, joined Everton in 2015. Initially, he struggled to cement his place in the Toffees starting XI and was sent on loan to West Brom for the second half of last season. He impressed in the Championship and has done a decent job at Goodison Park since his return.
The English U21 international has been one of the best players for the Toffees this season since Carlo Ancelotti took charge of the club. He has shown great character and has the ability to succeed at a higher level.
A central defender by trade, Holgate is capable of playing in a defensive midfield role. He is also accustomed to the right-back position as he has demonstrated his skill in that position for West Brom last season. And his versatile nature of play would be of immense help to City’s weak defensive unit.
Holgate has a handful of experience in the Premier League and could be a viable option for Guardiola to tighten up City’s backline.
The Etihad outfit are in dire need of a central defender and the Englishman perfectly fits the bill since he is young and has a lot to offer.
Therefore, City must go all out for the £30m-rated defender and lure him to the Etihad in the summer.
