Everton have reportedly considered recalling Mason Holgate from his loan spell at Southampton.
The defender made his debut with the Saints just a week after joining, but he lasted only 63 minutes in a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Sunderland.
Holgate has been unable to gain regular minutes in the side since the bruising defeat, starting just three games following the fixture at the Stadium of Light.
The 27-year-old was frequently in the Everton side between 2019 and 2022, forming part of the defence that enjoyed success during Carlo Ancelotti's brief spell in charge, which also earned him a new five-year contract.
However, Holgate made just eight league appearances last season for the Toffees, and only featured briefly after being sent off in an important clash against Crystal Palace in April, as the club fought against relegation.
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After further limited game time at St Mary's, Football Insider claims that Everton are looking at terminating his loan spell in order to find him a new club where he will get more minutes.
With the player evidently not in Sean Dyche's plans, the club will hope that they can cash in on him before his contract runs out in 2025, and impressing on a loan spell elsewhere could help in that.
As financial difficulties continue to handicap the club, getting Holgate's £70,000-per-week wages off the bill will also be of big importance, if he is not contributing to the first team.
Despite the minimal impact that he has made at Southampton, another report from Football Insider claims that there is interest in Holgate from other clubs ahead of the January transfer window.
Championship clubs Middlesbrough and Watford, and Rangers up in Scotland, are all believed to be keeping tabs on the defender with the view of loaning him should Everton recall him.
Holgate's lack of minutes at Southampton have alerted the three clubs, who may look to add him to their squads as they chase differing objectives for the second half of the season.
Both Championship sides will be eyeing promotion through the playoffs, while Rangers are looking to chase down Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while also being guaranteed of European football in the new year.
Andrew Delaney
