Everton confirm Mason Holgate signing

Everton have confirmed the signing of Barnsley defender Mason Holgate for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old, who made 22 senior appearances for Barnsley following his debut last year, has penned a five-year contract with the Premier League club.

"With Mason, an opportunity came up and we didn't want to lose out. He is a young man with a very impressive future," Toffees boss Roberto Martinez told the club's official website.

"His development is going to be important and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can have an impact on the first-team. But he is not a player who I would expect to perform straight away in the Premier League - that would be very unfair.

"I feel that we are the perfect place in order for Mason to develop into a top footballer. I know that he is a player who can bring us something quite unique, so we are excited about that possibility, even though he is one for the future rather than now."

Everton are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Southampton in the Premier League.