According to the Metro, Everton are closing in on the £1million capture of young Barnsley defender Mason Holgate.
The youngster is believed to be on Merseyside discussing personal terms and having a medical.
The Toffees have been relatively quiet in the transfer market this summer, but boss Roberto Martinez has recently stated that he is looking to sign three more players before the transfer window shuts.
The Toffees are down to just two centre-backs in Phil Jagielka and Chelsea target John Stones. Holgate is one of the most highly-rated young defenders in the lower leagues and can play at both centre-back and right-back.
Everton’s Premier League rivals Bournemouth were believed to be close to signing the 18-year-old, but it seems like Everton have nipped in to steal the youngster away from the Cherries. The Youngster is reported to have turned down a move to Manchester United.
It seems that his future now lies at Goodison Park, as Everton have a good record of giving young players a chance in the first team.
The Toffees are now regarded as one of the favourites to sign QPR’s highly-rated striker Charlie Austin and the odds on the 26-year-old joining the Toffees have been slashed.
The Merseysider’s are in need of an extra striker to help out striker Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Kone, who scored as a substitute in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Watford.
Should Everton have been more active in the transfer market?
