Sources: Sheffield United in advanced talks to sign Everton star Mason Holgate
Sheffield United, Everton and Southampton are in advanced talks to thrash out a deal for defender Mason Holgate, sources have told Football Insider.
Holgate is currently on loan at Southampton, but Everton are set to cancel that deal to allow him to make the move to Sheffield United.
There is confidence from all parties that an agreement will be reached before Thursday's deadline which would see the 27-year-old switch St Mary's for Bramall Lane.
Holgate has struggled for game time at the promotion-chasing Saints this season having made just five appearances in the league.
He has not seen a minute of Championship action since starting in Southampton's 2-1 win over West Brom in November, but he did start their recent FA Cup clash against Watford on Sunday (28 January).
Sheffield United have been eager for reinforcements in the January window to help sure up their defence - the worst in the Premier League.
Sources have told Football Insider (31 January) that they have made a last-gasp enquiry for Leicester City defender Harry Souttar, but a move for Holgate now looks more likely.
Meanwhile, Everton had planned to shift Ben Godfrey out of the club, but as revealed by Football Insider (1 February), he will be staying at Everton past the transfer deadline despite interest and offers from Leeds United and other clubs.
Sheffield United sit at the foot of the Premier League table on 10 points after their 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening (30 January).
They are next in action on Saturday (3 February) when they face Aston Villa at Bramall Lane.
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