Everton ready to offer Mason Holgate a new contract

Everton are preparing to offer a new contract to defender Mason Holgate, according to several reliable sources including The Times’ Paul Joyce.

Holgate’s current deal expires in the summer of 2022 but Everton know now is the time to start talks on fresh terms to protect the player’s value, as well as reward him for a breakout season at Goodison Park.

Holgate, who joined Everton for £2million from Barnsley in 2015, began the campaign as back-up to Yerry Mina and Michael Keane, and would have been pushed further down the pecking order had the club been successful in their attempts to land Kurt Zouma. However, he has now established himself as first-choice centre half alongside Mina after a string of impressive performances.

His confidence and composure on the ball has also seen him deployed in midfield at times in recent weeks, including in Saturday’s win at Watford when Fabian Delph’s sending off forced Carlo Ancelotti into a tactical reshuffle.

Last season’s loan spell at Championship side West Brom, where he spent the majority of the time playing right-back, looks to have done wonders for his development.

There is even talk of a possible England call-up for next month’s friendlies against Italy and Denmark as Gareth Southgate assesses the talent at his disposal before this summer’s European Championships.

Such talent and versatility has certainly proven beneficial to Everton and means he is likely to play a central role in AncelottI’s plans going forward.