Mason Holgate swaps Everton for Sheffield United

27-year-old defender Mason Holgate has left Everton for Sheffield United on a six month loan deal that will potentially guarantee him first-team action in the Premier League. Holgate had been at Southampton only last season on loan, returning to the Toffees just yesterday, and has now been immediately farmed back out with Sheff Utd securing his signature.

The former England under-21 international has shown flashes of his potential during his time at Everton, but a series of loan deals have recently followed. Sean Dyche sees no future for Holgate at Goodison Park, and Sheff Utd could sign the defender on a permanent basis at the end of the season for a fee of around £5 million.

Holgate's loan deal at Southampton had been terminated early after he only appeared five times in the Championship for the Saints.

It is understood that Holgate will also take a small paycut to move to Everton's relegation rivals, and that he will not be able to play in any game against the Toffees for the remainder of the current campaign.