Defenders appear to be the topic of the hour for Southampton, as they target another following Ryan Manning’s arrival.
Southampton are looking at bringing in a second defender this window after completing the signing of Manning on a free-transfer after his contract expired at Swansea last month.
The Saints shipped 73-goals last season which was a huge reason as to how they ended up relegated. With a new defensive midfielder Shea Charles coming in this week from Manchester City with the aim of helping The Saints solidify.
Southampton are also braced for a likely defensive departure, with Lyanco close to a move away and also Armel Bella-Kotchap who has a £25m release clause. A fee many clubs will be keen to pay for the impressive young defender.
Now it appears that Russell Martin is looking for a central defender to come in, with Everton’s Mason Holgate the name which has been mentioned this far.
Saints target Holgate
According to the Daily Mail, Southampton have already been in discussions over signing 26-year-old Holgate. The Everton defender seems to tick a few boxes that Southampton should be looking for in a defender.
Holgate has also been linked with a move to Sheffield United, which would be a move back to his home area.
With multiple centre-backs already at the club who haven’t a lot of English experience. Holgate rectifies this with 126 Premier League games for Everton along with Championship experience for West Brom.
The defender signed for The Toffees in 2015 from Barnsley following his win of Player of the Year.
Holgate only managed nine appearances last season in all competitions and therefore a move is needed now. This represents a huge change in circumstances for Holgate who was once heralded by legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti as a ‘complete defender’.
The Italian great even tipped Holgate for the top as he said, “He showed in this period a lot of quality defensively, he is really focused in his defensive work.
“He has the quality to be at the top as a defender.”