Updated Mason Holgate remains a transfer target of Southampton who are reportedly still in negotiations over a potential transfer of the defender.
The 26-year-old has been the subject of media speculation since the 2022-23 season ended, with some outlets reporting that Everton are happy to field offers for him as they seek to trim their squad in certain areas to bolster others.
Holgate wasn’t able to command a first-choice berth in either Frank Lampard’s or Sean Dyche’s side last season, playing just nine Premier League games in a variety of positions.
Originally signed from Barnsley by Roberto Martinez, he has been linked with a return to Yorkshire with newly-promoted Sheffield United but, as yet, nothing concrete has come of the chatter.
The Daily Mail originally reported a month ago that Holgate could be off to the south coast to join Saints’ bid to win promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking following their relegation from the Premier League in May.
Now, a fresh report from Mark McAdam suggests that the two clubs are still in talks but that there is some distance between the percentage of the player’s wages Everton are prepared to cover while Holgate is out on loan, particularly as they favour an outright sale.